As winter approaches opportunistic criminals are now shifting their pattern and targeting fuel stations for their gas cylinders, says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT.

We are extending an alert to these business owners to ensure their assets are properly secured.

“Over the past few weeks we have received multiple reports of gas bottles being stolen from properties, typically in the early hours of the morning between 02:00 – 04:00 am whilst filling stations are quiet, specifically in the Northworld, Bromhof and surrounding areas,” says Hattingh.

In order to stay one step ahead of opportunistic criminals it is important to make your business less of a target by making it as difficult as possible for criminals to access this part of the property.

The vulnerability lies in the fact that at most properties gas bottle cages are usually out of the line of sight of the man courtyard making it easy for criminals to break the cage, load bottles, and flee unnoticed.

We suggest that business consider installing an alarm that will be triggered as soon as the cage lock is broken.Hattingh offers these safety tips:

• Always invest in an alarm, CCTV, and an electronic article surveillance system that meets your level of security needs. Learn how to use your system properly and check the system daily.
• Light the inside and outside of your business, especially around doors, windows, skylights, or other entry points and in front of external areas where gas for example is stored. Consider installing covers over exterior lights and power sources to deter tampering.
• Consider the use of a guarding service at night. Always rotate security guards and insist that they are vetted regularly.
• Gas bottles are often stored in secured cages. Ask your security provider for an alarm to the security gate or consider storing them in a safe and secure storeroom that complies with safety standards
• Installing quality CCTV cameras around your premises will help SAPS with investigations and will also deter opportunistic criminals.

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Compiled on behalf of Fidelity ADT by Cathy Findley Public Relations, for media queries contact Jacqui Moloi at 071 764 8233 or jacqui@findleypr.co.za