Criminals are after 2 items in South Africa – and they’re looking for homes that have them

Criminals in South Africa are increasingly targeting two specific items from homes—gate motors and outdoor security beams.

According to Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications for Fidelity ADT, these thefts are becoming more frequent across South Africa.

However, she said that Pretoria is of notable concern, where areas like Waterkloof Glen, Rooihuiskraal, Doornkloof, Centurion, The Moot, and surrounding neighbourhoods have seen spikes in incidents.

She added that criminals are targeting outdoor security beams to disable security systems, making future break-ins easier, while selling the stolen equipment for quick cash.

Gate motors are also very popular targets, which can be resold or repurposed. In many cases, the thieves are opportunistic, constantly moving between neighbourhoods to avoid detection.

Hattingh said that one reason outdoor beams are attractive to criminals is that many homeowners don’t activate them while they are at home, leaving them vulnerable.

Additionally, poorly maintained perimeter security, such as overgrown trees and bushes, can provide cover for criminals as they work to disable security measures.

Incidents are being reported across the country, indicating a broader trend that should have all homeowners on high alert.

“We want to alert all residents and ensure that security measures are ramped up.” She advises residents to check and strengthen their perimeter and house security.

This includes trimming any overgrown vegetation, locking gate motors, and regularly testing alarms and panic buttons.

This surge in targeted thefts comes against the backdrop of high burglary and robbery rates in South Africa.

According to the latest police data, 35,745 home burglaries were recorded in the last three months of 2024 alone, averaging 397 break-ins per day.

House robberies are less common but still significant, with 6,259 cases reported during the same period, or roughly 70 per day.

Burglaries occur when criminals break into homes while the occupants are away, whereas house robberies involve face-to-face confrontations that often include threats or violence.

These crimes remain a significant concern, as burglary is still the largest crime subcategory in South Africa after drug-related offences and assaults.

Police stats are the tip of the iceberg

However, the real extent of the problem may be even worse than the official statistics suggest. South Africa’s crime data relies on incidents reported to the police or those discovered by law enforcement.

This means the numbers only reflect crimes that go through the official channels, leaving many unreported incidents unaccounted for.

The Victims of Crime (VoC) Survey, which explores crime from the victim’s perspective, suggests that underreporting is a significant issue.

According to the VoC Survey, an estimated 1.5 million housebreak-ins occurred throughout 2023/24, affecting approximately 1.1 million households across South Africa.

This represents about 5.9% of all households in the country, suggesting that the actual crime rate could be much higher than official data indicates.

Given the escalating threat, Hattingh urges homeowners to take proactive measures to protect their property. “We are urging all our residents to safeguard their outdoor detection beams to keep you safer,” she said.

One practical tip is to install brackets over the beams, making them harder to remove and delaying criminals long enough for an alarm to be triggered.

Homeowners are also advised to always activate their alarms and outdoor beams, even when at home, as these devices provide an early warning system that gives security companies more time to respond.

Regularly testing alarms and beams is crucial to ensure they are in good working order, and any faulty equipment should be repaired immediately.

Hattingh also stressed the importance of reporting stolen beams or other security equipment to the police, even if they seem minor. This not only helps law enforcement track crime trends but also increases patrols in high-risk areas.