With the festive season approaching, criminals are capitalizing on the more relaxed demeanor of residents, and may cause thousands of Rands of damage to your property. A thriving black market encourages enterprising criminals to partake in an ongoing gate motor theft issue, and Ermelo has seen its fair share of theft. Recently, gate motor theft has been an ongoing problem in various areas of Ermelo, with criminals striking mainly between 01:00 and 04:00. A seasoned criminal can steal a gate motor without a safety bracket within 25 seconds. It is important for residents to keep records of the serial number, which makes it easier for the SAPS to track down the owner of a stolen gate motor, should it be recovered.

Stolen or damaged gate motor theft also has other implications, leaving residents vulnerable, having to get out of their vehicles to open the gates, or leave their homes at night to inspect disturbances. Stolen gate motors are either stripped down and its various components, such as copper innards, batteries and gearboxes sold individually, or they are sold as complete units to unsuspecting homeowners. There is also a worrying trend of suspects deactivating the gate motor, and accessing the property while on a manual override. Residents are urged to ensure that the gate motor is secured in a steel casing or bracket, which is to remain locked at all times. Suspects often just place their hands through the gate if your gate motor is unsecured and installed right next to a palisade-type gate. They are then able to switch the gate to manual, and access your property. Use a good quality lock to secure the motor’s theft-resistant cage, preferably opt for an insurance-rated padlock. Installing adequate anti-lift brackets, and welding a piece of flat bar onto the gate rack to prevent thieves from bending the rack upwards will also hinder the theft of your gate motor.

If you notice any suspicious behavior in your ward, or have information on individuals who are involved in gate motor theft, please contact the SAPS on 017 819 7803, or ACSU on 017 811 1274.