At around 07:26 on the 23 of March Fidelity ADT Reaction officer Mkhabela responded to an alarm activation on Plumer street, Witbank. On arrival he was met by the domestic worker who informed him that two suspects were breaking in next door and one of the suspects jumped into the yard where she worked.

In an attempt to get away, one of the suspects ran and jumped to another house leading to other blocks of houses. By this time the Fidelity ADT reaction officers had come up with a plan to corner the suspect in Duncan street.

They managed to apprehend one of the suspects, and took him back to the property, where it was confirmed that they were attempting to steal steel and iron, as well as the gate motor. The suspect was handed over to Constable Mthombeni of Witbank SAPS.

Here are some useful tips for safeguarding your gate motor against theft and your property against a home invasion:

• 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 are able to 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!” concludes Joe de Bruyn, Branch Manager Fidelity ADT.

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COMPILED ON BEHALF OF ADT BY CATHY FINDLEY PUBLIC RELATIONS. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT JACQUI MOLOI ON 071 764 8233 OR This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.