MONTHLY OVERVIEW
- In September 2022, crime increased by 14% with armed robberies (incidents in which firearms were used) increasing by double.
- Daylight robberies were increasingly reported in the past two months.
- Between September and October 2022, police managed to arrest at least 20-armed robbery suspects who were involved in significant armed robberies nationwide. Of the arrested, four soldiers and a police officer were identified as being involved in armed robbery incidents.
- In Harare, two incidents were reported in which explosives were utilised to blast open safes.
- Last month, a fatality was reported during a robbery in Marondera (a non-Safeguard client). A resident who was a businessman, was fatally shot during an armed robbery at his residence.
- Theft and connivance by employees remain a cause for concern at business premises.
SECURITY ALERT
MONTHLY CRIME BREAKDOWN
TOTAL MONTHLY REPORTED INCIDENTS
*The above graphs only depict the crime incidents reported to Safeguard Security and Safeguard Alarms nationwide.
FREQUENTLY TARGETED ITEMS, SEPTEMBER 2022
HIGH RISK AREAS
SECURITY ADVICE
- Procure a cell phone panic signal for your home and business. Cell phone panic buttons do not have radius restriction and the signal can be received anywhere in the country.
- Compile an armed robbery procedure detailing what action should be taken in the event of an armed robbery or a possible robbery on site. Procedure should detail emergency contact details and hiding places for staff.
- Senior personnel or high-risk staff with access to safes should have cell phone panic buttons and alarm systems at home and work.
- Considering the rate of robberies and involvement of employees in crimes such as robberies and break ins, employers are advised to conducted regular integrity tests of their employees. Integrity tests have proven useful in identifying dishonest employees before employment and during employment.
- Monitor back yards and back doors as these are common access points during break ins and thefts.
- Conduct regular searches of employees when employees exit premises and ensure that employees declare personal goods before they access the premise.
OUTLOOK
Thank you for using Safeguard.
The Safeguard Team
INCIDENT SUMMARIES, SEPTEMBER 2022
CRIME
HARARE
Armed robbery
Tuesday 13 September 2022, 1125, Business Site, Seke Road, Hatfield: the control room received a call and they were informed that there was a robbery going on site. A response team and the police attended. It was confirmed that six armed suspects held up the employees and demanded cash. The intruders asked for one of the managers by name. The employees were forced to hand over money before they were bundled into two vehicles that belong to the employees. The suspects drove off with the employees but later released them. The employees returned in one of the vehicles. A police report was filed and investigations are in progress.
Friday 9 September 2022, 0057, Business Site, Unit G, Makoni, Chitungwiza: An alarm signal was received and a response team was dispatched. Upon arrival, team found both the guard in site and the next-door guards were tied up with strings on their hands and legs. Five intruders who were armed with an unidentified firearm, tried to open the safe using an axe but ran away empty handed when they saw the response vehicle. Response team noted that the alarm system and the siren were vandalised. Robbers left an axe and a wheel spanner behind. Nothing was confirmed stolen. A police report was filed.
Thursday 1 September 2022, 0130, Business Site, Kelvin Road, Graniteside: A guard on site raised the control room and reported that there were intruders on site. A reaction team was dispatched and on arrival they met with the guard. The guard reported that four intruders armed with an unidentified pistol had forcibly entered the premise. Two of the intruders attacked the guard and tried to subdue him. The guard resisted and started shouting for help. The noise was heard by nearby guards who started blowing their whistles and raised control room. The guard eventually managed to escape the attack and the intruders fled the scene empty handed.
Thursday 1 September 2022, 0530, Business Site, Birmingham, Workington: Guard raised the control room requesting for a reaction team. A reaction team was dispatched and upon arrival, the guard reported that six intruders, armed with an unidentified firearm had manhandled the guard. The intruders broke into the warehouse where they stole a few items and went on to remove two batteries from the vehicles that were parked outside before fleeing the scene. The duty manager was informed and a police report was filed.
Robbery
Saturday 17 September 2022, Unspecified Time, Epworth: An employee was attacked by suspected robbers and sustained a deep cut on his left cheek. Nothing was taken from him.
Thursday 15 September 2022, 2230, Public Location, Kamfinsa: Four employees reported that the taxi driver of the vehicle they had boarded had attempted to rob them. During the robbery, the driver lost control of the vehicle and landed in a ditch. The employees managed to escape and seek help.
Break In
Wednesday 28 September 2022, 1037, Residential Site, Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Avenues: An alarm signal was received and a response team was dispatched. On arrival, the client reported that the previous night, intruders had broken the back-kitchen door but failed to gain access. Nothing was confirmed stolen. Client made a police report.
Tuesday 27 September 2022, 0043, Business Site, Cunningham Road, Highlands: An alarm signal was received and a response team was dispatched. The team reported that a perimeter panel was broken and that two strands of electric fence were cut. Nothing was confirmed stolen. A police report was filed.
Tuesday 27 September 2022, Unknown Time, Swiss Way, Southerton: A client called and reported that intruders had removed the durawall panels onsite. No losses were reported.
Tuesday 27 September 2022, 0142, Business Site, Martin Drive, Msasa: A response team was dispatched after an alarm signal was received from the premise. On arrival, the team met with a caretaker and employees who were on site. Checks revealed that intruders had cut two electric fences and removed a durawall panel but failed to access the premise.
Tuesday 27 September 2022, 0246, Business Site, McMeekan Road, Milton Park: An alarm signal was received and a response team was dispatched. It was reported that an unknown number of intruders jumped over the perimeter wall and removed two security cameras which they left on the ground. They cut two locks on the reception door and forced open the door. An alarm activated and the intruders fled the scene. Caretaker confirmed nothing was stolen. Client has is yet to file police report.
Tuesday 27 September 2022, 0659, Residential Site, Loanda Lane, Chisipite: A panic signal was received and a reaction team was dispatched. On arrival, the team was informed that by the client that intruders had broken into her residence whilst she was away. An unknown number of suspects jumped over the durawall and broke the wooden lounge window to gain access into the residence. Groceries, shoes, clothing, bedding, and kitchen utensils were reported stolen. The client’s daughter who was sleeping upstairs did not hear anything. A police report was filed and investigations are in progress.
Monday 26 September 2022, 0244, Business Site, Ambleside Road, Aspindale: A panic signal was received and a response team was dispatched. Upon arrival, the team met a private guard who had pressed the panic button. He narrated that four intruders opened the reception door which was not locked. The intruders forced open the main office door making their way to the strong room. They searched the office and even tried to blast open the strong room safe using dynamite. Nothing was confirmed stolen but two alarms were vandalised. The intruders left behind a big hammer and some dynamite. Keyholder attended and a police report was filed.
Monday 26 September 2022, 0850, Business Site, Pascal Road, Belgravia: Control room received a message reporting a break in at the secretary’s office. The intruder used a ladder to get to the first floor window before breaking into the office where he stole bond paper.
Saturday 24 September 2022, 2335, Business Site, Dhlela Way, Graniteside: A guard called the control room reporting that he saw intruders getting into site premise. A response team was dispatched and the caretaker was informed. Intruders removed a perimeter panel, forced open the outside screen door, and broke the main door to gain access into a building but nothing was confirmed stolen. The site has an alarm system but it only activated when the team was checking the site. Client said he would file a police report after checking the site.
Monday 19 September 2022, 0008, Base Station, Braeside: An external guard called the control room reporting there were two intruders on site. A response team was dispatched. On arrival, the team checked the site and reported that everything seemed to be in order. The external guard had fled the scene on seeing the intruders. There is no alarm on site.
Saturday 17 September 2022, Unspecified Time, Business Site, Chiremba Road, Cranborne: An alarm signal was received and a response team was dispatched. The team reported that four strands of electric fence had been cut. The intruders had set up old vehicle tires as a ladder to access the premise but had to flee the scene. Nothing was confirmed stolen. A police report was filed.
Thursday 14 September 2022, 0026, Residential Site, Kew Drive, Highlands: An alarm signal was received and a response team was dispatched. Upon arrival, the team met a client who summarized the incident to them. It was reported that intruders had forced open the kitchen door with a crow bar. They failed to get access because of the strong screen door. The client heard noises and triggered her alarm system. The intruder ran away empty handed leaving the crow bar behind. Client declined police involvement.
Thursday 14 September 2022, 0325, Residential Site, Victoria Drive, Newlands: A panic signal was received on site and a response team was dispatched. The team met a resident who narrated the incident. Intruders forced open the kitchen door and stole two cell phones and some money before proceeding to the cottage. The intruders forced open the cottage door and also stole some money. The intruders ran away when a resident in the cottage woke up. The team noted that seven strands of electric fence were cut. Client has a stand-alone system.
Tuesday 12 September 2022, 0012, Business Site, Lezard Avenue, Milton Park: An alarm signal was received and a response team was dispatched. The team checked the site and everything seemed intact. The keyholder attended and confirmed that everything was ok but he failed to reset the alarm so he switched it off. Duty manager was informed.
Sunday 11 September 2022, 1511, Business Site, Nuffield Road, Workington: An alarm signal was received and a response team was dispatched. Upon arrival, the team met the onsite guard. The guard confirmed that a backyard perimeter panel had been broken. The building seemed intact. They keyholder could not attend. Our team filed a police report.
Saturday 10 September 2022, 1150, Business Site, Fourth Street, Harare City Centre: An alarm signal was received and a response team was dispatched. Upon arrival, they met an employee who said he had made a mistake while opening. The team also met the system administrator who then reported that some computer tonners were missing from the storeroom and the CCTV screen was damaged. There were no signs of forced entry on both the main entrance door and the storeroom door. A police report was filed by the system administrator.
Saturday 10 September 2022, 1917, Residential Site, Kew Drive, Highlands: A client called the control room requesting for a reaction team after her maid called her informing her of a break-in on site. It was reported that a male suspect with a bolt cutter had forced open the outside spare bedroom door. The door had a heavy metal screen door which he failed to open resulting in him fleeing the scene empty handed. When our team arrived, the suspect had left. The client refused police involvement.
Thursday 8 September 2022, 0142, Residential Site, Worcester Road, Eastlea: A guard on site saw an intruder jumping out of the contract perimeter and he ran past the sensors as he fled. An alarm activated and a response team was dispatched. A hosepipe and a drum were reported stolen. The area where the stolen items were, was not covered by alarm sensors. Site has a 2-metre perimeter with spikes on top. A police report was filed.
Thursday 8 September 2022, 0504, Residential Site, George Street, Msasa: A guard raised the control room reporting that intruders had broken into a parked vehicle and opened the bonnet through the driver’s window. A reaction team was dispatched and they confirmed that a battery was stolen. Duty manager was informed and he filed a police report.
Wednesday 7 September 2022, Unspecified Time, Business Premise, Mount Pleasant: During hand-over take-over, a guard noticed that one of the client’s vehicles had a broken rear window. Nothing was reported missing.
Wednesday 7 September 2022, 0800, Business Site, Hatfield: A guard on site reported to the control room that intruders had cut the razor wire to gain access to the premise. An employee onsite later reported that intruders had removed the burglar bar before breaking into one of the offices through the window. They blasted a safe and took some money before they left. The alarm system was not working. A police report was filed.
Tuesday 6 September 2022, 2240, Base Station, Masotsha Ndlovu, Mainway Meadows-Waterfalls: An alarm signal was received and a response team was dispatched. The team reported that intruders had bent the palisade bars to gain access to the base station. They forced open the cabinet and stole some cables. It was reported that the external guard who was on site had run away. A police report was filed and another guard was deployed.
Sunday 4 September 2022, 2303, Residential Site, John Plagis Road, Alexandra Park: A client called and reported a break in that had occurred the previous night. The alarm had activated when the intruders broke a window but nothing was confirmed stolen. Client declined police involvement.
Theft
Tuesday 27 September 2022, 0710, Business Site, Ambleside Road, Aspindale: A client called the control room reporting a theft incident. The client reported that a truck battery had been stolen from a truck which was parked near the durawall. There was a driver sleeping in the truck at the time of the incident. Caretaker filed a police report.
Sunday 25 September 2022, Unspecified Time, Business Site, Natal Road, Belgravia: A caretaker reported that he suspected that some employees had teamed up and stolen iron bars that were in the backyard.
Saturday 24 September 2022, 0235, Business site, Hebert Chitepo Avenue, Avenue: A guard raised the control room reporting that an intruder jumped from the next site and took a radio battery that was on the charger. Nothing else was confirmed stolen. Duty manager was informed.
Thursday 22 September 2022, 1130, Business Site, Borrowdale Road, Alexandra Park: A client reported that three geysers were missing. It is suspected that a garbage truck was used to carry the missing geysers. One of our guards confirmed the exit of the truck around 1130. The guards are not allowed to search the truck. A police report was filed and investigations are in progress.
Thursday 22 September 2022, 2309, Residential Site, Gail Road, Mandara: A client called the control room requesting a response team. She reported that her letter box cover had been stolen. A response team was dispatched and on arrival the team reported that a brass letter box cover had been stolen.
Tuesday 20 September 2022, 1558, Business Site, St Mary’s – Chitungwiza: A loss control manager called the control room reporting a theft incident. He noticed that the site had no water and checked outside for a possible cause. He then noted that approximately four metres of copper water pipes were missing. The site does not have a day guard. A police report was filed and investigations are in progress.
Sunday 18 September 2022, Unknown Time, Educational Institution, Fisher Avenue, Rolf Valley: An employee was arrested after he was found in possession of stolen non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
Saturday 17 September 2022, Unknown Time, Industrial Site, Dhlela Way, Graniteside: An employee was apprehended after he was found in possession of steel offcuts taken from the site.
Wednesday 14 September 2022, 0700, Business Site, Telford Road, Graniteside: A guard monitoring charger was reported stolen from the site. CCTV footage was played and a suspect was found. The incident was reported to the General Manager.
Sunday 11 September 2022, 2300, Business Site, Simon Mazorodze Road, Ardbennie: Control room received a report that there had been a theft on site. It was reported that several cases of non-alcoholic beverages had been stolen. The site CCTV controller replayed the CCTV footage and the suspect was identified and arrested.
Thursday 1 September 2022, Unknown Time, Residential Site, Thames Road, Vainona: An employee was dismissed for stealing money from the premise.
Suspicious vehicle
Monday 19 September 2022, Unspecified Time, Business Site, Birmingham Road, Workington: night guard called the control room reporting that a suspicious vehicle was parked in front of the gate. Suspects pretended to have had a breakdown. A support team was dispatched. As the team arrived, the vehicle drove off.
BULAWAYO
Break in
Sunday 25 September 2022, 0043, Residential Site, Conolly Road, Queensdale: A panic signal was received and a response team was dispatched. The team noted that intruders damaged the gate motor. Nothing was confirmed stolen. Client was informed and a police report was filed.
Thursday 22 September 2022, 0800, Business Site, Bulawayo CBD: A client called the control room reporting a break in incident. The intruders made a hole on the security fence of a neighbouring church. The intruders broke into the warehouse, damaged the alarm system and stole an undisclosed amount of goods. The client does not keep money on site. A reaction team went with the police and a report was filed.
Friday 16 September 2022, Unknown Time, Base Station, Cowdray Park: A client called and reported that intruders broke a palisade bar and stole twelve batteries from the base station. It was reported that the external guard was sleeping when the incident occurred.
Tuesday 13 September 2022, 0559, Business Site, Fifteenth Avenue, Belmont: An alarm activated and a response team was dispatched. Team found an intruder who seemed drunk on site. Nothing was confirmed stolen. The intruder was taken to the police.
Monday 12 September 2022, 0550, Business Site, 10th Avenue and Joshua Nkomo, Bulawayo CBD: A client called the control room reporting that intruders broke into the building, climbed the screen gate and disarmed both the alarm and the radio. The intruders opened the safe, took some money, forced open the back door and escaped. A police report was filed.
Monday 12 September 2022, 0730, Business Site, Bristol Road, Belmont: A client called the control room reporting a break-in. The client reported that an intruder removed a perimeter panel, broke the main office window, crawled to the alarm panel and cut cables to disarm the alarm. The intruder proceeded to the main workshop where he took an inverter and solar batteries. He left the batteries in front of the main office door. The case was reported to the police and investigations are in progress.
Monday 12 September 2022, 1253, Base Station, Mahatshula: An alarm activated and a response team was dispatched. On arrival, the team met an employee who said he had just arrived. The team reported that intruders cut the palisade bars that was at the back of a fuel tank. Unknown litres of fuel were stolen. A police report was filed.
Wednesday 7 September 2022, 0600, Business Site, Kelvin: Night shift guard raised the control room informing them that intruders cut the fence and drained fuel from a vehicle that was parked outside.
Wednesday 7 September 2022, 2350, Business Site, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Avenue, Bulawayo CBD: A response team was dispatched after an alarm signal was received. On arrival, the team reported that intruders had broken through the roof but had failed to remove anything from the scene.
Saturday 3 September 2022, Unknown Time, Base Station, Luveve: Intruders approached and threatened an external guard who was on site. The intruders chased him away and broke a palisade pole to gain entry. They connected a hose pipe and started draining fuel into their containers. The guard raised alarm by whistling until members of the community woke up and responded to the scene. The intruders fled leaving the fuel behind. The case was reported to the police.
Friday 2 September 2022, 0600, Business Site, Kelvin: A client called the control room informing them that fuel had been drained from a vehicle that was parked outside. The day-shift guard noted that the fence was cut on the eastern and northern sides of the premises. The supervisor reported the case to ZRP and investigations are in progress.
Thursday 1 September 2022, 0135, Business Site, Samuel Parirenyatwa Street, Bulawayo CBD: Two alarms activated and on the second activation, the occupants on site woke up to investigate the noise. The intruders panicked and started throwing stones. Two vehicles were damaged. Nothing was confirmed stolen but the intruders had tried to grind open a safe in one of the offices.
Theft
Wednesday 7 September 2022, Unknown Time, Business Site, Bevan Road, Khumalo: A guard on site reported that some spanners had been reported missing from the premise.
Thursday 1 September 2022, 0200, Residential Site, Percy Avenue, Hillside: After electricity went off, a caretaker woke up and checked outside. He noticed that overhead copper cables were missing. The case was reported to the police.
MANICALAND
Break-in
Monday 19 September 2022, 2130, Business Site, Zimunya Township: Client called the control room reporting an intruder on site. A reaction team was dispatched. Team arrived and arrested a 16-year-old boy who was hiding in a toilet that was out of order.
Friday 16 September 2022, 0016, Business Site, Target Area: Guards heard sounds near the grader and pressed a panic button. A response team was dispatched after the guard raised alarm. On arrival, the team and the guards on site checked and reported everything seemed intact. A few hours later, another panic signal was received and a response team was dispatched. They checked the site and noted that the grader’s battery holder was tampered with. Only the key clip was broken. Keyholder was informed and a police report was filed.
Monday 5 September 2022, 0748, Residential Site, Tavern Avenue, Greenside: A client called the control room reporting that there had been a break-in on site. A television and a DVD were stolen. The client had not armed the alarm system. No police report was filed.
Friday 2 September 2022, 2050, Residential Site, Gukurahundi, Murambi: An alarm activated and a response team was dispatched. The team noted that intruders had broken in through the kitchen door. The client confirmed that an iPad had been stolen. Our team and the police tried to track the suspects using a tracker on the stolen iPad. Unfortunately, the iPad was switched off before the suspects were found. A police report was filed.
Theft
Monday 26 September 2022, 0625, Business Site, Durban Road, Nyakamete: While doing searches at the gate, our guard arrested a suspect who stole bar soaps and a tap from the premise. The suspect was taken to Mutare Central police.
Sunday 25 September 2022, 0604, Business site, St Hellen’s Drive, Nyakamete, Mutare: Guard reported that during hand-over take-over, he noted that two fire extinguishers and the asset book were missing. Client and duty manager were informed and a police report was filed.
Wednesday 21 September 2022, Unspecified Time, Business Site, Durban Road, Nyakamete: Client reported that two liquid pumps were missing from the storeroom. The pumps were last seen two weeks before. The storeroom is open to four different contractors during the day and locked during the night. The case was reported to Mutare central police.
Tuesday 13 September 2022, 0904, Business Site, Second Street, Mutare: An on duty guard received a top-off and advised the controller to replay the CCTV footage. It was discovered that two employees were stealing on site. The employees were arrested.
MIDLANDS
Robbery
Thursday 29 September 2022, 0120, Industrial Road, Light Industrial Site, Kwekwe: A panic signal was received and a response team was dispatched. Upon arrival, the team found two guards tied with a rope. The guards reported that four intruders had tied them before escaping. The intruders left a chisel, hammer and a machete. Noting was confirmed stolen. Client was informed and a police report was filed.
Break In
Wednesday 28 September 2022, 0145, Business Site, Mkoba 4- Gweru: An alarm signal was received and a response team was dispatched. Upon arrival, team noted that one perimeter palisade was cut and two others from the generator were damaged. Team searched the site and found 20l empty containers in the grass. Client was informed and a police report was filed.
Saturday 3 September 2022, 2050, Base Station, Kwekwe: An alarm signal activated, and a response team was dispatched. On arrival, the team reported that the palisade bolt and nut were cut off and the camera was twisted upwards. Nothing was confirmed stolen. The incident was reported to Kwekwe Police Station.
MASHONALAND EAST
Armed Robbery
Monday 12 September 2022, 2132, Business Site, Chicago Drive, Marondera: A panic signal was received and a response team was dispatched. Upon arrival, the team met a fuel attendant who reported the incident. The fuel attendant that a customer refuelled his Toyota Sienta with US$40 worth of fuel. Instead of paying, the customer took out a pistol and drove off. The manager attended. CCTV playbacks were played but registration number of the car could not be seen. A police report was filed.
Saturday 10 September 2022, 0000, Business Site, Manyame: Area supervisor called the control room reporting an armed robbery. Five armed intruders forced their way onto the premise and tied up three guards and an employee. The intruders covered the guards and employees mouths with cloth and left them in the guard room. The intruders took the guard monitoring unit radio, OC sprays, baton sticks, cell phones and a hat. The intruders broke into the cash office through the window, used a bolt cutter to cut the safe keys and stole some money. The intruders also stole laptops and batteries from the HR’s office. A police report was filed by our reaction team and investigations are in progress.
MATABELELAND NORTH
Break-In
Wednesday 21 September 2022, 2115, Business Site, Crackly Lane, Hwange: A guard called the control room reporting that suspicious people were torching them from outside the fence. A support team was dispatched. The suspects ran away as the team arrived.