The one item criminals are after at SA homes
Watch out for this one item criminals are targeting at South African homes.
Fidelity ADT Group Head of Marketing and Communications, Charnel Hattingh, has flagged an increase in criminals targeting gate motors at South African homes.
The private security company reported a rise in incidents and a spike in certain areas.
These areas have been specifically identified as neighbourhoods in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
READ: South African suburbs with the highest reports of hijackings
"We've seen multiple incidents in the past week alone," Hattingh said following a report on Monday, 26 May.
According to BusinessTech, gate motors and their parts are becoming even more of a hot commodity on the black market, which explains the increase in robberies.
Areas in Johannesburg that have specifically been targeted include Northcliff, Bergbron in Greenside, Florida Glen, Fairlands, Helderkruin in the West Rand, and Observatory in Houghton.
Pretoria has also seen a spike in these reports, with areas like Waterkloof Glen, Rooihuiskraal, Doornkloof, Centurion, The Moot, and surrounding suburbs being heavily affected.
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BusinessTech reports that gate motors can be sold for anywhere between R1,500 and R4,000.
"There is a thriving black market for gate motor parts," Hattingh explained.
"Stolen motors are either stripped down or sold as complete units to unsuspecting homeowners. These 'access automation bandits' are brazen and efficient."
Theft of gate motors happens mostly during the afternoon and nighttime, with 19h00 to 05h00 being classified as peak times.
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