Fidelity ADT Warns: Gate Motor Theft Becomes Latest Crime Trend in SA

With a noticeable increase in incidents reported in Johannesburg and Pretoria suburbs, gate motor theft is quickly becoming a significant security concern for South African homeowners.

Residents have received a strong warning from private security firm Fidelity ADT, which has confirmed that criminal syndicates are targeting gate motors and their parts because of their high black market resale value.

Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT, stated, “We’re seeing a clear increase in the number of stolen gate motors, especially in recent weeks.” “Criminals are getting bolder and more sophisticated, and certain areas are being hit repeatedly.”

Gauteng Hotspots: An Emerging Pattern of Crime

Theft reports have increased in Johannesburg suburbs such as Northcliff, Florida Glen, Helderkruin in the West Rand, Greenside’s Bergbron, Fairlands, and Houghton’s Observatory. Incidents have been reported in Waterkloof Glen, Rooihuiskraal, Doornkloof, Centurion, and The Moot, indicating that Pretoria has not been exempt.

Hattingh claims that these motors are either stripped for components like gearboxes and batteries or sold whole, selling for between R1,500 and R4,000. “Unfortunately, many unwary homeowners purchase stolen units second-hand without realizing it, and there is a thriving black market for these items.”

Gate motor theft.. a South African favorite.. in less than 2 minutes. pic.twitter.com/wqk8Pwc37y

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The Methods of Thieves

The majority of thefts take place between 19:00 and 5:00 in the evening or early morning, when visibility is poor and the streets are less crowded. Simple mistakes in home setups are frequently exploited by criminals. Reaching through palisade fencing to switch the gate motor to manual mode is a common trick that makes alarms ineffective and makes it easy to open the gate.

“Gate motors aren’t always fastened correctly. The gate can be moved with virtually no resistance once it is in manual mode, Hattingh cautioned.

Due to their extreme mobility, these criminals frequently move between neighborhoods in order to evade detection. Residents or patrol units find it challenging to react in time due to their efficiency and speed.

The Context of the Greater Crime

High rates of residential crime are still a problem in South Africa. Police reported more than 35,000 home invasions between January and March 2025 alone, or almost 400 every day. During that time, there were also over 5,500 recorded house robberies, in which burglars confront homeowners.

The need for enhanced perimeter security is made more urgent by the recent spike in gate motor theft.

Easy Steps to Keep Your Gate Motor Secure

Fidelity ADT provided some useful advice to help locals avoid theft:

• Install a sturdy padlock with an insurance rating and a steel cage that is resistant to theft around the motor.
• Motors should not be positioned close to palisade fencing; if they must be, they should be blocked from access through the bars.
• To make it more difficult for someone to tamper with the gate, use anti-lift brackets.
• To stop the gate rack from bending upward, weld a flat bar onto it.
• To identify tampering, incorporate electronic alarms, such as sound bombs or GSM units.

“Criminals are constantly changing.” We need to think more strategically and install multiple layers of security in our homes if we want to stay ahead,” Hattingh said.

Security companies are advising all residents to inspect and update their gate motor protection systems as this trend continues, particularly those who live in high-risk areas. In addition to saving money, preventing theft puts an additional line of defense between your family and possible intruders.

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Sourced:Business Tech

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