MONTHLY OVERVIEW
- Crime increased in July 2023 but reported less incidents than the same period last year.
- Violent crimes almost tripled in the past month, with three incidents resulting in shots fired – two shootouts were reported in Mashonaland West.
- In July 2023, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) arrested armed robbery suspects following shootouts in three separate incidents in Budiriro, Nketa, and Cowdray Park.
- Crime in Bulawayo has doubled in the past three months, whilst Harare incidents increased by 56%.
- Cellphone tower stations in Bulawayo reported an increase in violent crimes, with guards (not Safeguard) chased away from the sites as criminals targeted batteries and fuel. It is important that guards are equipped with panic buttons and that they have adequate security support in these areas.
- Safes, particularly stand-alone safes were increasingly targeted at businesses with criminals physically dragging out the safes or using explosives and angle grinders to open the safes. Where possible, clients are urged to move into restricted areas and ensure that no money is ever kept on site over night.
- Losses were prevented in 54% of the incidents where an alarm was sensibly installed with an active radio link.
- Break in investigations revealed that in a number of cases criminals knew how to avoid the alarm sensors indicating knowledge of the layout of the site. Clients are urged to regularly review their security systems and ensure that security systems are limited to a few individuals.
- Mines and gold traders were also targeted with 150kg of gold stolen in an incident at a Kwekwe mine in the past month. Residents should avoid taking money home as the ZRP also reported incidents of residential robberies were money was targeted.
- Fuel service stations were increasingly targeted for money (and fuel in some instances). Service stations should equip fuel attendants with panic buttons.
- Motorists continue to be targeted for valuables left on vehicle seats.
MODUS OPERANDI/METHOD OF EXECUTION AND TARGETED ITEMS
HIGH RISK AREAS
TOTAL MONTHLY REPORTED INCIDENTS, JULY 2022 – JULY 2023
MONTHLY PROVINCIAL BREAKDOWN
**In cells where there is a “-” no incidents were reported to Safeguard and not that an incident did not occur.
TOWN/SUBURB BREAKDOWN
OUTLOOK
Crime especially violent crimes such as robberies, murder and assault are likely to increase as the country heads towards elections and August holidays. More individuals might opt to keep money at home as uncertainty brews towards elections and this might fuel violent crimes at residences. However, the ZRP has communicated a commitment to stabilise violence during this period. Fatal road accidents have been a cause for concern this year with motorists urged to avoid speeding and unnecessary overtaking on the highways. Safeguard encourages travellers to be vigilant and to ensure that they have downloaded the Safeguard emergency application for prompt assistance during these times. Travellers can also request security and road safety updates ahead of their travels.
Thank you for using Safeguard.
The Safeguard Team