Thieves strip residents of valuable property in Ben Fleur
Captain Eddie Hall gives tips to ensure that property is protected from thieves.
Multiple cases of theft were opened after residents in Ben Fleur had their possessions stolen.
Criminals are on a stealing spree in the residential area stealing gate motor batteries, intercom systems, lights, patio furniture sets, and other valuables.
In some instances, the suspects would leave the crime scenes vandalised and the residents would have to repair the vandalized areas.
This has brought distraught to many. One of the complainants, who would not like to be mentioned, said that his gate motor battery was stolen on March 1. This was not the first time it was stolen.
“This happens every year and it doesn’t get easier. The fact that we have to replace what was stolen is just exhausting,” he added.
The suspects are unknown to the complainant therefore no arrests have been made.
“The modus operandi (method of operation) is mostly the batteries that are being removed from the motor box – this leaves the victim with damage to the whole gate motor and not just the stolen battery. Usually, residents who are not at home or who are in their homes do not notice the thief. They only find out that their gates have been tampered with and the batteries were stolen when they attempt to open them,” said Captain Eddie Hall, communications officer at the Witbank Police Station.
Hall also gave tips to secure gate motor batteries. The safety measures include:
- Secure your gate motors with a padlock.
- Bolt your gate motor into the ground to prevent criminals from stealing it.
- Keep it locked to prevent battery theft and criminals from resetting the motor or switching the gate onto manual.
- Place a cage over the motor and secure it to the ground or have anti-theft brackets installed. An example of caging is shown in the picture.
READ MORE
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/168631/gate-motor-thieves-on-the-prowl/
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/117850/criminals-christmas-shopping-ben-fleur/
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