Several incidents of gate motor theft in Elma Park, has led Fidelity ADT’s Community Development Manager, Renee Coltham, to issue a warning to residents to seriously consider increasing their security measures on gates and motors.
“ In the past month there have been five incidents in Elma park, where the suspects target homes at around 5am. We have noticed that 2 of these incidents have occurred on dustbin collection day. While it may seem logical to put your wheelie dustbin on the pavement the night before collection morning, it is in fact a security risk, says Coltham.
“Recyclers want to have first-pickings of the dustbins contents so they are entering suburbs during the day and night now which of course causes security issues. Gate motor thieves are now taking advantage of this,” she says. She urges residents to only put their dustbins out on the morning of collection day.
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.
“We really want residents to take this seriously as there have been a number of incidents. If you are unsure of what locks to install, please speak to your security provider for what your options are,” she concludes.
