Theft of gate motors continues to be a risk in the Bromhof, Randparkridge, Fontainebleau, Malanshof, Windsor and surrounding areas.

Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communication at Fidelity ADT says this has been an ongoing problem in the area, excluding Bromhof which has for the first time been affected.  She says there is a thriving black market for gate motor parts. “Stolen gate motors are either stripped down and its various components (batteries, gearboxes, etc.) sold individually or they are sold as complete units to unsuspecting homeowners by these “access automation bandits” as they are often referred to.”  She says there is also a worrying trend of suspects deactivating the gate motor and accessing the property while on manual override,

Here are some useful tips for safeguarding your gate motor against theft and your property against a home invasion:

• Ensure that your gate motor is secured in a steel casing or bracket which is 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.
• Make use of a good quality lock to secure the motor’s theft-resistant cage. Preferably opt for an insurance-rated padlock
• Install adequate anti-lift brackets and welding a piece of flat bar onto the gate rack to prevent thieves from bending the rack upwards.
• Combine mechanical anti-theft systems, such as traditional theft-resistant cages, with electronic notification devices, for example sound bombs and GSM units which are able to send notifications to users when the device’s inputs are triggered.

“Your electric gate should be one of the first perimeter deterrents to protect you from crime. We need to do our bit to reduce crime by making it harder for the criminals. Safeguard your gate motors!” concludes Hattingh.