APRIL 2021 OVERVIEW
Whilst the number of reported incidents has fallen across the country, Crime in Harare remained constant. As reported last month, the real change is the targeted and more violent crime, with incidents of explosives used on safes during break-ins and robberies occurring in Harare (and Mashonaland East). Ruwa has been in the spotlight as criminals target those that hold cash on site.
Nationwide and Harare Crime Overview
Targets
The general trend continues to be that if you are holding cash, you are at risk. The disappointing outcome for many that have lost cash, other than the trauma, is that they have not been insured for it and so have lost everything.
More reports of internal fraud and theft in businesses. A general lack of timely checks and balances and an exchange rate variable that makes it difficult to track value, provides a conducive environment.
More reports of internal fraud and theft in businesses. A general lack of timely checks and balances and an exchange rate variable that makes it difficult to track value, provides a conducive environment.
Security Alerts
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reported on the prevalence of robberies as criminals target hitch hikers and individuals seen walking alone. They have also raised the alert to all about attacks on cash.
Report to Safeguard if you see any suspicious vehicles around your premises as criminals may pretend to be lost, waiting for someone or to have run out of fuel. Also communicate with your neighbours to verify suspicious vehicles and to warn them.
Report to Safeguard if you see any suspicious vehicles around your premises as criminals may pretend to be lost, waiting for someone or to have run out of fuel. Also communicate with your neighbours to verify suspicious vehicles and to warn them.
Security Advice
- Traffic congestion has led to most drivers looking for alternative inside routes to avoid traffic. Drivers should be wary of who is driving behind them as this could easily lead to follow home robberies.
- Do not receive money or conduct cash transactions in open places where everyone can see. Be discreet and ensure that unnecessary staff, contractors or visitors are not aware of your business transactions.
- Businesses, schools and residential property owners alike should create vehicle logbooks and only permit authorised vehicles onto their premises. To prevent any bogus visitors on site, it is important to always communicate to relevant people before-hand who is expected on the property on a specific day. Additionally, unplanned visitors should always be verified with the property owner before they are permitted on site.
- Large premises such as industrial sites and farms, should utilise guard dogs for night patrols as these serve as an aide for guards and a deterrent to unarmed criminals. Property owners should also lookout for dogs barking during the night as this often signifies an intrusion on site. Dogs should also be trained not to eat food from strangers as there are incidents of fatal dog poisoning.
- Ensure that your electric fence, sensors and house alarms are armed at night and when you are away (your alarm should also be linked to a response service for prompt assistance). Safeguard recommends arming your alarm in the early evenings between 18:00 -19:00 or as soon as the whole household is home.
Outlook
The use of explosives is a serious cause for concern with the most recent incident reported at a school in Ruwa on the 1st of May 2021. This highlights the evolving nature of crime within the country. Businesses should reconsider the decision to keep money on their premises as this not only poses a risk to the property but those on site. Businesses and individuals are urged to bank their cash, insure it when on site, and utilise cash-in-transit services when transporting it.
Dark nights will provide good cover for criminals and as a result, break-in and theft incidents are likely to increase during the winter period, with most break-in incidents occurring between 22:30 in the evening and 03:00 in the morning.
For a walk through of your security at home or business, please do not hesitate to give Safeguard a call. Your safety is our priority.
Thank you for using Safeguard.