Theft of gate motors continues to be a risk in the south and surrounding areas.
Fidelity ADT reported that theft of motor gates, especially in Glenanda, did not stop during lockdown.
According to Linda Goodenough, Fidelity ADT community development manager, they have been notified by Mike Fontes, CPF chairperson for Mondeor, that there have been another five gate motors stolen in the past week in the Glenanda area.
She said it is believed there could be a syndicate operating from a home in the area.
“Stolen gate motors are either stripped down and its various components – batteries, gearboxes – are sold individually or they are sold as complete units to unsuspecting homeowners by these access automation bandits, as they are often referred to,” said Goodenough.
She further stated that there is a worrying trend of suspects deactivating the gate motor and accessing the property while on a manual override.
Useful tips for safeguarding your motor gate against theft:
• 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 can 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,” concluded Goodenough.
