Criminals are after this one item in South Africa – and they’re looking for homes that have them

Private security company Fidelity ADT has flagged that criminals in South Africa are increasingly targeting gate motors from homes. 

According to Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT, these thefts are becoming more frequent as reported incidents spike in more areas. 

Commenting on the areas affected, Hattingh said that specific neighbourhoods in Johannesburg and Pretoria are a concern. 

Fidelity highlighted that these motors and their parts are a hot commodity on the black market, prompting an increase in thefts that have alarmed homeowners and security professionals.

According to Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT, the spike in reported gate motor thefts is growing. “We’ve seen multiple incidents in the past week alone,” Hattingh said. 

Specific areas in Johannesburg, such as Northcliff, Bergbron in Greenside, Florida Glen, Fairlands, Helderkruin in the West Rand, and Observatory in Houghton, have been heavily affected.

Areas in Pretoria have also been targeted. Earlier reports in February 2025 highlighted a surge in thefts from areas like Waterkloof Glen, Rooihuiskraal, Doornkloof, Centurion, The Moot, and surrounding suburbs. 

Many of the stolen motors are sold intact as second-hand units for between R1,500 and R4,000, while others are stripped and their components, such as batteries and gearboxes, are sold separately. 

“There is a thriving black market for gate motor parts,” Hattingh explained. “Stolen motors are either stripped down or sold as complete units to unsuspecting homeowners. These ‘access automation bandits’ are brazen and efficient.”

A common tactic involves exploiting the vulnerability of motors installed adjacent to palisade fencing, making access to the motor easier.  

Thieves reach through the gaps to switch the motor to manual mode, easily bypassing security to gain access to the property. 

Hattingh warned that many of these motors are simply not secured well enough, making them easy targets. She added that the gate can be opened without resistance once the unit is switched to manual.

Most of these thefts typically occur in the afternoon or at night, with peak times ranging from 19h00 to 05h00. 

The speed at which criminals can act makes it difficult for homeowners to detect or prevent crimes in real time. 

Opportunistic thieves also tend to move between neighbourhoods to avoid detection, making it harder to quickly identify patterns and counter them.

Tips to better secure your gate motor

The growing trend is taking place against the backdrop of already high crime rates in the country. In the first three months of 2025, police recorded 35,462 burglaries at residential premises—an average of 394 per day. 

While house robberies (where homeowners are confronted) are less frequent, 5,516 such incidents were still reported in the same period, roughly 61 per day. 

These figures underscore the scale of the threat and the growing need for better protection at the perimeter level.

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

To safeguard these increasingly targeted motors, Fidelity ADT recommends several proactive measures. 

First and foremost, secure the motor in a locked, steel theft-resistant cage. For added protection, Fidelity advised using an insurance-rated padlock. 

If your gate motor is situated next to a palisade-style gate, it becomes even more critical to ensure it is not easily accessible through the bars.

Homeowners are also urged to install anti-lift brackets and consider welding a piece of flat bar onto the gate rack, which can prevent criminals from bending the rack upward to disable the motor. 

For enhanced protection, combine these physical barriers with electronic solutions, such as sound bombs or GSM units that send alerts when tampering is detected.

“Criminals are always evolving their methods, so we need to stay one step ahead,” Hattingh said. “Being vigilant, investing in layered security, and responding quickly to suspicious activity can help prevent gate motor theft and keeping your property secure.”