Crime Report January 2023 | Safeguard Security Zimbabwe

MONTHLY OVERVIEW

The good news is that the total number of reported break-in and theft incidents fell in February.
We have observed an increase in incidents of collusive theft involving employees.
For supermarkets we have several cases of money changers outside offering to provide RTGS in return for USD cash.
Caretakers living on site after hours are currently vulnerable to attack and we have reported cases of loss from their quarters, which are often not as well protected as the buildings they are supervising.
Gate motor theft remained prevalent in the Harare northern suburbs with Mount Pleasant, Vainona, Greystone Park, and the Grange /Kambanji areas reporting several losses and attempted thefts.
Cases of theft where the security system has been off, or not covering the area affected, is a common monthly occurrence.
There has been an increase in robbery incidents in Southerton, Harare.
In February 2023, the Zimbabwe Republic Police expressed concern over the increase in cybercrime and the loss of funds related to foreign currency transactions online.
The ZRP has also reported cases in which individuals have been found in possession of illegal firearms, with some firearms confirmed to have been stolen and smuggled from South Africa.

TOTAL MONTHLY REPORTED INCIDENTS

MONTHLY CRIME BREAKDOWN

FREQUENTLY TARGETED ITEMS

*This report has been compiled from information received by Safeguard and reported by the ZRP.

HIGH RISK AREAS

SECURITY ADVICE

Protect gate motors, pumps, and batteries.
If you have guards or caretakers on site make sure they have a panic button and can sound the alarm.
There are cases of vehicle smash and grab and loss from car parks. Lock your doors when driving, do not leave valuables on display, and look for suspicious activity. This is especially important when driving on secluded or less congested roads in residential areas.
Check the coverage of your security systems and ensure that you are satisfied that the protection is adequate. In many cases of loss, the layout at the property has changed and loss is from Install alarms in factories and always ensure that stock is securely stored. Avoid keeping portable valuables close to the entrance as they can be easily taken during break-ins.
Review your business internal processes and audit routines, especially for areas that may not have been checked for some time.
Cut any long grass on your property or surrounding your property as this can provide cover for criminals.
Try and provide some light to cover access points as a deterrent.
Use your security systems.
“See something, say something”. Report suspicious activity and get it checked out.

OUTLOOK

This is no time sit back and relax. The holidays are ahead of us and usually trigger an increase in the number of break-ins and theft occurrences. Take action to test and reorganize your security plan in the month ahead. Call us if you need any assistance or advice.

Thank you for using Safeguard.

The Safeguard Team