MONTHLY OVERVIEW
- Criminal incidents have increased since March and is slightly up when compared to April 2023.
- Crime has been increasing about 13% per month for the past 2 months.
- Historically we should see a decrease in crime over the next few months. However, with the release of many prisoners this could change.
- 20% of all incidents targeted residential premises. This is a decrease of 8% from March. This means businesses are being targeted more.
- Most criminal activity reported is between 1700 – 0600hrs. Many of these incidents occur around midnight.
- We have seen an increase in intruders using the roof as an access point into buildings.
- Armed Robberies have doubled since March. Weak perimeters are the primary concern where there is no top guarding linked to a response team or the fence is switched off.
- Smash and grabs have remained the same. Areas of concern are the Highlands shopping centre and Arundel shopping centre.
- The use of fake USD notes has slowed down this month due to the vigilance of business’s identifying and reporting such incidents to the police.
- There has been an increase in theft cases this month. In many cases where property was lost the alarm system was not armed.
- There have been incidents of opportunist’s harassment and robbery in the suburbs.
MODUS OPERANDI/METHOD OF EXECUTION AND TARGETED ITEMS
HIGH RISK SITUATIONS
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CRIME STATS
MONTHLY BREAKDOWN
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TOWN/SUBURB BREAKDOWN
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OUTLOOK
Historically we have seen that times of high crime generally bring low periods of crime directly after. However, with the release of many prisoners we might not see crime decrease in the coming months.
The Zig has brought some relative stability, but also significant hardship in the last few weeks of April as there was no zig traded or accepted. The Consumer Price Index for the past 3 months is up at a rate of 5.6% per month. We will likely see a rise in USD prices now as the discounts available through payment of a devaluing ZWL are no longer available for the short term at least.
GENERAL ADVISORY
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AJAX Security System
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Walking in the early evening has become dangerous recently. Ensure that you have your Safeguard app on you, and that you are carrying pepper spray. If possible, walk in large groups and have a dog with you to deter any potential criminals.
Thank you for using Safeguard.
The Safeguard Team
PROVINCE BREAKDOWN OF CRIME
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Bulawayo
Armed Robbery – 02 April 2024, 2045hrs, CBD, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown number of intruders entered the shop just before closing time posing as customers. They were armed with an unknown firearm and assaulted the employee there. They managed to steal the cash that was in the till and made their escape before Safeguard and police arrived at the scene.
Attempted Theft – 06 April 2024, 2100hrs, Belmont, Bulawayo: At a business site an intruder broke into the shop by lifting the roof panels. The intruder intended to steal from the manager’s office, but as they approached the motion sensor detected him and sounded the alarm. This deterred the
intruder from proceeding further and they fled from the scene without stealing any property.
Theft – 06 April 2024, 0400hrs, Belmont, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown number of intruders gained access to the premises through unknown means and syphoned fuel from a truck that was parked outside. It is suspected at this time that the driver of the truck was a part of the theft.
Theft – 09 April 2024, 0227hrs, Belmont, Bulawayo: At a business site there was an alarm activation and the reaction team deployed to site. Upon inspection of the property the team could not discover any obvious points of entry into the building. When the client opened the shop, they discovered that various tools such as spanners, tire patching machine, and tires were stolen.
Theft – 09 April 2024, 0227hrs, Belmont, Bulawayo: At a business site there was an alarm activation and the reaction team deployed to site. Upon inspection of the property the team could not discover any obvious points of entry into the building. When the client opened the shop, they discovered that
various tools such as spanners, tire patching machine, and tires were stolen.
Attempted Theft – 10 April 2024, 1956hrs, Riverside, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown number of intruders cut palisade bars to enter the area where batteries were stored. They attempted to steal the battery, but the intruders fled from the site leaving the battery behind.
Attempted Theft – 12 April 2024, 0335hrs, Sunninghill, Bulawayo: At a residential site an alarm activation was received, and the response team deployed to the site. The intruder jumped over the durawall and attempted to destroy the Xpanda security gate to access the building. The intruder was
disturbed by the presence of the reaction team and fled the scene.
Theft – 12 April 2024, 0330hrs, CBD, Bulawayo: At a business site a truck parked outside of the premises. While he was sleeping 6 thieves cut the belts securing the tarp of the truck. The thieves stole an unknown number of Broiler and Rabbits feed from the truck. The guard manning the site was
alerted to the thieves and alerted Safeguard. The reaction team came to site and followed the suspects. They managed to recover 6 10kgs broiler feed and 1 10kg rabbit feed.
Attempted Theft – 12 April 2024, 1844, Westondale, Bulawayo: At a business site an employee was caught attempting to steal 15 empty bags inside their clothing. The incident was handled internally.
Theft – 20 April 2024, 0448hrs, CBD, Bulawayo: At a business site a panic signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. An intruder climbed through a bathroom window which triggered the alarm system. The caretake was woken from the noise and pressed his panic button. As the intruder was attempting to scale down from the open window the reaction team arrived on site and managed to apprehend the intruder. No items were stolen.
Attempted Theft – 22 April 2024, 1800hrs, Burnside, Bulawayo: At a residential site the guard on site noticed that the kitchen window had been forced open during the night. It is unknown at this time to the number of intruders at site and if any items were stolen.
Suspicious Person – 24 April 2024, 2100hrs, Accord, Bulawayo: At a business site the guard apprehended a man who in a drunken state walked through the main gate and attempted to proceed through the property.
Attempted Theft – 25 April 2024, 1700hrs, Lobengula, Bulawayo: At a business site CCTV operators caught 3 customers attempting to steal various food items from the grocery store. The guards at the control points managed to stop the customer and retrieve the items.
Attempted Theft – 27 April 2024, 1745hrs, Makokoba, Bulawayo: At business site client reported to finding the fence on their property had been cut by an unknown person. Upon further investigation there was no entry made into the yard and no property was stolen.
Attempted Theft – 28 April 2024, 1950hrs, Bradfield, Bulawayo: At business site two intruders broke into the property by breaking the window which triggered the alarm system. Response team went to site and confronted the intruders. The response team member fired two warning shots at the intruders, however one of the intruders with an Okapi knife continued to the response team member and bit him on the left leg. The response team managed to capture the two intruders. No property was stolen.
Harare
Theft – 01 April 2024, 0400hrs, Mount Pleasant, Harare: At a business site an unknown number of intruders made their way to where the generators were located and cut the pipe that was supplying diesel to the generators. The intruders cut the pipe and fitted a tap to it which allowed for siphoning of diesel at any time. At this time, it is unknown the quantity of diesel that was stolen.
Smash and Grab – 02 April 2024, 0710hrs, Highlands, Harare: At a business site parking lot the victim parked her car in the public parking space and went into the shops. When she returned, she discovered that her laptop bag was missing from her vehicle. Review of the CCTV footage revealed
that a red Mazda CX 5 was watching her as she parked and when she went into the shop, they pulled next to her car and a male exited the vehicle. He went to her vehicle and opened the door and stole the laptop bag then drove away.
Theft – 02 April 2024, Time Unknown, Chishawasha, Harare: At a residential site an unknown number of intruders jumped over the durawall and gained access to the site. Some items were stolen, but the client did not say what the items were.
Suspicious Person – 04 April 2024, 2003hrs, Umwinsidale, Harare: At a residential site a panic signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. It was discovered that a stranger was bitten by the client’s dog when they jumped over the fence onto the property. The owner declined reporting the incident to the police as the stranger is suspected to have mental challenges.
Theft – 05 April 2024, 0548hrs, Mount Pleasant, Harare: A Safeguard employee was traveling on his bicycle on Pendennis road, and a Nissan Pro Box pulled in front of him, and 4 robbers stopped him. The robbers were armed with unknown weapons and stole his bicycle from him. The matter was
reported to the Marlborough Police Station.
Attempted Theft – 06 April 2024, 0245hrs, Lochnivar, Harare: At a business site a guard on patrol noticed 2 intruders who used a ladder to scale over the wall and attempt to steal 3 aluminium pipes. Due to the actions of the guard the 2 intruders fled from the site without stealing any property.
Theft – 06 April 2024, 0830hrs, Msasa, Harare: At a business site 4 valves have been reported missing at this time. The valves were under repair at the time of the incident and were left unsecured. It is unknown at this time if this was insider theft or if someone broke in to steal them.
Armed Robbery – 06 April 2024, 2314hrs, Greendale, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. The reaction team upon arrival found the guard on site tied up. After assisting the guard, the reaction team called for the Quick Reaction Force to
assist, and they learned there were 5 intruders on site with one armed with a pistol. The intruders cut the barbed wire fence to gain access to the premises. After the intruders tied up the guard, they took the panic button and gate keys. The intruders interrogated the guard asking how long until the reaction team arrives as they set off the outside alarm. This is when the reaction team arrived on site which caused the intruders to flee from the scene before they were able to steal any property.
Attempted Theft – 09 April 2024, 0332hrs, Eastlea, Harare: At a business site and unknown number of intruders gained access to the premises by cutting the diamond mesh fence. They then proceeded to the accounts office and broke the glass door. Upon entering they scattered files and opened drawers. It is unclear at this time the intention behind this as there was no property reported as stolen at this time.
Attempted Theft – 09 April 2024, 0332hrs, Eastlea, Harare: At a business site and unknown number of intruders gained access to the premises by cutting the diamond mesh fence. They then proceeded to the accounts office and broke the glass door. Upon entering they scattered files and opened
drawers. It is unclear at this time the intention behind this as there was no property reported as stolen at this time.
Theft – 09 April 2024, Time Unknown, Southerton, Harare: At a business site the client reported that a laptop was stolen from a building that was under development. It is suspected that the contractors working there have stolen the laptop. The incident has been reported to the police.
Theft – 09 April 2024, 1315hrs, Alex Park, Harare: At a business site the guard on site caught the caretaker stealing fuel from the lawn mower that he was using. The incident has been reported to the Avondale police station.
Armed Robbery – 09 April 2024, 2345hrs, Highlands, Harare: At a business site a panic signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. The guards on site were found tied up by shoelaces and that 5 intruders armed with a pistol robbed the site. The intruders walked up to the guards as if they wanted to have a conversation. That is when they brandished their weapon and tied the guards. One of the intruders were assigned to monitor the guards and to continue patrolling as to not alert Safeguard through failed patrols. The other intruders broke into an office and further into a cabinet where keys for the building and safe were located. The intruders managed to open 2 safes with keys and used a grinder to cut into 2 other safes. An undisclosed amount of USD cash was stolen from the site.
Theft – 10 April 2024, 1230hrs, Lochinvar, Harare: At a business site a booster pump was stolen from the site during lunch hours. There was a guard on site who was manning the gate during the time and was unable to patrol the property which led to a break in coverage. This provided the opportunity for the booster pump to be stolen.
Attempted Theft – 10 April 2024, 1910hrs, Workington, Harare: At a business site a driver was accused of colluding with people to lie about the weight of his cargo to steal the cargo later.
Attempted Theft – 11 April 2024, 0237hrs, Belgravia, Harare: At a residential site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team was deployed to the site. The homeowner stated that everything was ok, however, the reaction team went to site and found 5 intruders fleeing from the neighbouring property. The intruders cut the razor wire and 6 strands of the electrical fence. They also removed the screen at the main entrance but set the alarm off which led them to flee the scene.
Attempted Theft – 11 April 2024, 0330hrs, Mbare, Harare: At a business site the guard on site noticed a fence leading to a storage shed was cut. Upon further inspection there were no intruders on site and no property was stolen.
Armed Robbery – 11 April 2024, 2317hrs, Mount Pleasant, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the response team deployed to site. The team shined their torch into the hedges and 4 armed intruders came out of the bushes. 1 armed with an AK style rifle and 3 armed with a pistol each. The response driver was forced to bring the vehicle into the property by the intruders. The intruder made their way inside and investigations are ongoing into what was stolen. The guards freed themselves after the armed robbers made their escape. The Marlborough police are tending to the scene.
Attempted Theft – 12 April 2024, 0610hrs, Ballantyne, Harare: At a residential site, and unknown number of intruders broke into the site and vandalised the property. Investigations are ongoing at this time to evaluate if any property was stolen.
Robbery – 12 April 2024, Time Unknown, Mbare, Harare: While shopping for groceries in Mbare the victim was approached by 2 thieves, and they took the victims cell phone.
Suspicious Vehicle – 14 April 2024, 0249, Gunhill, Harare: At a business site the guard reported a suspicious vehicle parked outside the premises. The response team deployed to the site and spoke to the driver of a Toyota Fortuner. They advised the driver to depart form the location and the driver complied.
Theft – 16 April 2024, 0354, Avondale West, Harare: At a residential site an alarm signal was received, and the response team deployed to site. An unknown number of intruders jumped over the durawall that had no top guarding. They proceeded to the kitchen window and folded the burglar bars and when they opened the window the alarm sounded. The intruders at this time fled from the site and no property was stolen.
Attempted Theft – 17 April 2024, 0159, Hatfield, Harare: At a residential site the client called requesting the reaction team be sent to site as there were intruders on site. An unknown number of intruders jumped over the 2-meter brick wall that had no top guarding in place. They proceeded to the cottage window and pried off the burglar bars and gained access to the cottage. The cottage did not have an alarm system, but the person inside the cottage woke up from the noise. The intruders noticed the person and fled from the site. No property was reported stolen at this time.
Theft – 18 April 2024, 0345hrs, Lochinvar, Harare: At a business site the guard on site reported that an unknown number of intruders broke the gate lock and entered the premises at night. The intruders stole 2 excavator batteries.
Smash and Grab – 18 April 2024, 1755hrs, Mount Pleasant, Harare: At a business site two suspects driving a Silver Toyota Wish ADA 5388 broke the back window of a Chevrolet SUV and stole a gym bag that was left out in the open. Witnesses in the area seen one of the suspects disembark from their vehicle and look at vehicles in the parking lot as potential targets.
Theft – 18 April 2024, 1900hrs, Donnington, Harare: At a business site the guard on site while conducting his checks noticed that 2 x 6 packs of flying fish were missing from one of the cases stored on a pallet. Investigations are ongoing into the nature of the theft.
Assault – 19 April 2024, 0109hrs, Braeside, Harare: At a business site a guard was assaulted by 2 individuals who were carrying empty beer bottles. The guard sustained minor injuries and with the aid of nearby guards the suspects fled from the scene. The guard was armed with a weapon and the suspects were seen attempting to steal the firearm.
Suspicious Vehicle – 19 April 2024, 2323hrs, Madokero, Harare: At a business site the guard in the car park found a suspicious person unlocking a vehicle that was clamped overnight. The guard knew the owner of the car and proceeded to stop the suspicious person. The suspicious person managed to find the keys to the vehicle and was searching it for valuables. The guard contacted the owner of the vehicle and returned the keys to them.
Armed Robbery – 22 April 2024, 0004hrs, Logan Park, Harare: At a business site 4 robbers armed with guns, knives, and metal rods attacked fuel attendants at a service station. The robbers smashed the window of a silver fan cargo vehicle ACH2189 where the fuel attendants were sleeping. The fuel attendants pressed the panic button in the struggle. The robbers managed to strip them of their uniforms, and took phones, wallets, cash from their person. The robbers took their vehicle and left the scene.
Robbery – 24 April 2024, 1740hrs, Aspindale, Harare: A guard traveling to work on his bike and was attacked by unknown persons. The attackers stole the bicycle and took the guards pack that contained his uniform clothing.
Theft – 24 April 2024, 0330hrs, Norton, Harare: At a business site an unknown number of intruders cut the palisade bar securing the base station. Once inside the intruders gained access to where the generator was stored. The intruders then syphoned an undisclosed amount of diesel from the generator.
Armed Robbery – 26 April 2024, 0336hrs, Norton, Harare: At a fuel station a panic signal was received, and Safeguard was advised there was a robbery in progress. There were 10 intruders one carrying an unknown firearm and the others carrying metal pipes and machetes. The response and quick reaction force arrived on site and the QRF team fired 3 warning shots at the armed robbers. The intruders fled from the site towards the mountains. Due to the actions of the response and QRF team no items of value were reported stolen and the safe was only damaged. Investigations are ongoing.
Armed Robbery – 26 April 2024, 0336hrs, Groom Bridge, Harare: At residential site an adult male escaped the residence to a site nearby guarded by Safeguard. The person reported to the guards that an unknown number of intruders came onto the site and was suspected to have a firearm. The incident was reported to the local police. Investigation into the matter is still ongoing.
Attempted Theft – 27 April 2024, 0045hrs, Alexandra Park, Harare: At business site the guard on site found a man who did not work for the company opening boxes that contained Nutri Boost. No items were stolen, and the incident was reported to Management.
Manicaland
Theft – 09 April 2024, 2139hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site the guard on site reported that there were three intruders on site. The guard investigated a noise he heard behind the building and found the intruders. The guard was able to prevent the intruders from breaking into the window and gaining access to the building. The intruders fled the site leaving behind a torch.
Robbery – 11 April 2024, 1352hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At a residential site a panic signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to site. Upon arrival an intruder was discovered on site and the team managed to take him into custody. The suspect was taken to Mutare Central Police. No items were stolen.
Robbery – 12 April 2024, 0027hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site a call was received that there was an in progress break in at site. The response team deployed to the site and discovered that the guard on site was bleeding from his head. An unknown number of intruders cut the perimeter fence and attacked the guard. The guard’s phone was stolen; it is unknown if any other items were stolen.
Attempted Theft – 12 April 2024, 1002, Mutare, Manicaland: At a residential site an alarm activation was received, and the response team deployed to site. An unknown number of intruders broke open the main door and one window was open with damages to it. It is suspected that the alarm
sounding caused the intruders to flee with no property being stolen.
Theft – 14 April 2024, 0522, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site the guard on site reported that an electric motor was removed from a machine and oil was leaking. There is no other information currently.
Theft – 14 April 2024, 0348, Mutare, Manicaland: At a residential site two unknown intruders gained access to the site and tied up the cottage and tied up the occupant with shoelaces and beat them. The intruders took meal, cooking oil, 2 cell phones and cloths.
Theft – 16 April 2024, Time Unknown, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site the guard on site reported that 40 x 6-meter pipes that are stored outside of the storeroom have been stolen. It is unknown at this time how many intruders appeared on site as the incident occurred during the night.
Theft – 18 April 2024, 1133hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site a panic signal was received, and the reaction team was deployed to the site. 3 intruders in a Silver Honda Fit AEM 8150 broke into the site through unknown means currently. They stole 2 different inverters from the site. The Mutare Central Police have been advised of the theft.
Armed Robbery – 19 April 2024, 0027hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site the guard on site contacted the control room stating that he was tied up by an unknown number of intruders. At the moment it is unknown if they had weapons. The intruders proceeded to the filling station and
opened a safe with dynamite stealing an unknown amount of USD. Investigations are ongoing.
Theft – 19 April 2024, 2351hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site an unknown number of intruders gained access to the property by cutting the lock off the small gate. They then proceeded to where the vehicles were located and attempted to steal the batteries. While they were moving the batteries the guard on site noticed and managed to chase the intruders away. 2 batteries were found outside the durawall.
Theft – 21 April 2024, Time Unknown, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site while doing stock take the owner noted many items missing from their stocks. Work suits and hats were missing from their stores. It is unknown at this time how many intruders there were, but it is suspected that they
gained access through an open window during the night.
Theft – 25 April 2024, 0443hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site as a truck driver was preparing to disembark for the day, he checked his truck which was loaded with merchandise the previous night. The driver reported to the guard on site that 33 cases of merchandise were stolen. There was no evidence of a break in on site. Investigations are ongoing.
Theft – 29 April 2024, 0105hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At business site while the guard was conducting perimeter patrols noticed that the fence had been cut. An unknown number of intruders gained access to the site, and it is suspected that they stole fuel as there was drops of diesel fuel found in the area.
Mashonaland Central
No reports currently.
Mashonaland East
Theft – 24 April 2024, 0255hrs, Lendy Park, Marondera: At a residential site an alarm activated, and the response team was deployed to the site. An unknown number of intruders forced open the main aluminium door. The intruders stole a solar battery that was in the room.
Mashonaland West
No reports currently.
Masvingo
Attempted Theft – 05 April 2024, 0612hrs, CBD, Masvingo: At a business site an alarm activation was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. It was discovered that an unknown number of intruders entered a complex through unknown means and opened 3 windows at the back of the building. The reaction team searched the area and found no intruders. No items were reported stolen.
Attempted Theft – 28 April 2024, 0025hrs, Hillside, Masvingo: At business site an alarm activation was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. It was discovered that an unknown number of intruders broke into the property by removing the burglar bars from a window. When the intruders broke the window, the alarm was set off which caused the intruders to flee from the scene.
Matabeleland
No reports currently
Matabeleland North
No reports currently.
Midlands
Robbery – 10 April 2024, Time Unknown, Bureau, Midlands: Tebekwe and Zuva gold mines had their employees robbed of US$100,000 after they sold gold to Fidelity Printers. The employees were followed by a vehicle and later robbed of their cash. In both cases different vehicles were used which means there could be multiple teams monitoring Fidelity Printers for potential victims from mining companies.
Attempted Theft – 20 April 2024, 0258hrs, Mvuma, Gweru: At a business site the owner called the control room requesting a reaction team to go to site as there was active intruders on site. The checker in the area arrived at the scene first which caused panic to the unknown number of intruders, and they fled from the scene. No items were reported stolen.