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Discussing the increase in a crime gaining momentum throughout Newcastle’s suburban areas, Imran Ghafoor of the Newcastle Crime Fighter Task Team explains gate motor theft continues to plague the town of Newcastle.
In February 2021, the Newcastillian – Online News published an article warning the Newcastle community regarding mass gate motor thefts taking place in town. The Newcastle SAPS went as far as to identify hotspots where the crime was most prevalent. Ghafoor stresses this crime is not only continuing but is becoming a cause for concern.
It must be pointed out; the Newcastle Crime Fighter Task Team works under the SAPS, consisting of members from Crime Prevention Forums (CPFS) and security companies.
According to Ghafoor, there are approximately 50 cases involving gate motor thefts currently being investigated. Stating, “The most prevalent areas are Hutten Heights, Aviary Hill, Amajuba Park, Pioneer Park and Arbor Park.”
An unofficial police source added this figure could be higher due to more cases being reported. Newcastle police spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam explains that if anyone has received information regarding the theft of gate motors, they can contact Colonel MM Nkosi on 082 558 1374 or Colonel JJ Kubheka on 082 3738 693.
Ghafoor adds the community can also contact him on 072 632 3000. He says, “All information will be treated with confidentiality and taken to the police.”
In order to assist residents, the Newcastle police have issued tips on how to minimise the chances of being affected by this booming crime.
- Ensure your gate motor is secured in a steel casing or bracket that is not easily accessible from the outside. This steel casing or bracket must also be locked at all times, preferably by an insurance-rated padlock.
- Install adequate anti-lift brackets or weld a piece of flat bar onto the gate rack to prevent thieves from bending the rack upwards.
- It is vital for residents to keep records of the serial number and receipt of purchase. Also, mark your gate motor or engrave your name onto it.
Unfortunately, as per readers’ responses to a similar article, criminals have developed mediums to bypass these security measures; therefore, looking at CCTV cameras, beams in your yard coupled with hypervigilance appear to be the next step in dealing with this pressing concern.
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One Response
My question is wheres tfe market for tgese Motors? Whose buying them from these thieves?