AUGUST 2020 OVERVIEW
August 2020 reported a 25% decrease in crime which can be attributed to the decrease in crime related to cell phone towers and similar remote unguarded installations. Robberies remained almost constant with two (2) robberies already reported by the 2nd of September 2020 (more incidents are to be expected throughout the month).
Theft is the only crime incident that increased (by 20%) in the past month, which is understandable as it is a relatively easy crime to commit and often opportunistic.
Greendale, Msasa, Southerton and Workington remain high-risk areas, however, Eastlea is fast emerging to be a popular area for break-ins, especially along Samora Machel Avenue.
*Please note, a majority of the incidents received by Safeguard are from the Harare province as the statistics below reflect.
NATIONWIDE AND HARARE CRIME STATS
CRIME BREAKDOWN BY MONTH
HIGH-RISK AREAS
TARGETS
Although fuel and batteries remain high-risk at base stations, a number of incidents were reported whereby computer monitors were targeted in the past month. Commercial sites urged to ensure that all offices are locked and that alarms are activated at close of business.
Hard cash remains a popular target amongst criminals. Individuals that handle large amounts of foreign currency or operate or own businesses that have a high foreign currency remain vulnerable targets.
MODUS OPERANDI
Unprotected or low walls remain vulnerable access points. Consider perimeter protection for early warning of intrusion.
SECURITY ALERT
- 20 August 2020 – Parham Road, Ballantyne Park: A silver Toyota Chaser was seen hovering in the area. The individual drove off when the response team was deployed to the area.
- 11 August 2020 – Broom Close, Greystone Park: Two (2) unoccupied vehicles, a silver Honda CRV and a white Landover Freelander, were seen parked outside the premises.
WHERE ARE WE HEADED ?
No one is ready for the upcoming festive season which is usually packed with activity and increased consumer spending. However, with the significant number of job losses that were reported in the second quarter of the year, crimes of opportunity such as theft are likely to increase in the upcoming months.
Start to think about the holiday period ahead , and if you would like to walk through your security at home or business, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
Thank you for using Safeguard
The Safeguard Team
AUGUST 2020 INCIDENT SUMMARIES
HARARE
06 August 2020, Armed Robbery, Residential Site, Leopard Close, Borrowdale West:
Non-Client: There were reports of suspected robbery activity. Shots fired. The matter was reported to the police. Shots fired. Please note that this incident came from an external source.
07 August 2020, Robbery, Residential Site, Grove Road, Greendale:
At 2:27hrs, four (4) robbers armed with iron bars, spikes and a catapult scaled the durawall to enter the yard and force-marched the gardener to the cottage, where the robbers damaged the burglar bars for an open window. The robbers demanded three (3) residents inside the cottage to surrender some cash, 3x cellphones, 3x laptops and 1x 32-inch Sony television. The residents were left tied up in one of the cottage rooms. The matter was reported to the police. Panic signal received. Alarm signal received. Response team dispatched.
06 August 2020, Armed Robbery, Residential Site, Arcturus Road, Highlands:
At approximately 10:16hrs, two (2) armed suspects pressed the intercom and then entered the premises when the gate was opened. The suspects proceeded into the building. One (1) gunshot was heard by the complainant. One (1) individual was reported injured and rushed to the hospital. The suspects then fled through the back gate. Nothing was stolen. The matter was reported to the police. One shot fired. Response team dispatched. No guard on site.
06 August 2020, Attempted Robbery, Residential Site, Alpes Road, Pomona:
An unknown number of suspects attacked the guard and handcuffed him on one hand. The gardeners on site were alerted by noises and came to inspect. The assailant(s) then scaled the wall and fled. Guard on site. Please note that this incident came from an external source.
31 August 2020, Break-in, Commercial Site, Arundel Road, Alexandra Park:
An unknown number of suspects forced open a window and removed an unknown disclosed amount of property from the site. Guard on site.
24 August 2020, Break-In, Residential Site, Leyland Road, Ardbennie:
It was reported on the 27th that on the 24th an unknown number of intruders smashed a window on the 1st floor roof, damaged a burglar bar in order enter the premises and stole goods from the warehouse. The matter was reported to the police.
10 August 2020, Break-in, Base Station, Harare Drive, Ashdown Park:
An unknown number of suspects forced open the palisade bars and cut the diesel tank. The suspects siphoned diesel and removed a battery from the base station.
24 August 2020, Break-In, Commercial Site, Josiah Tongogara Street, Avenues:
An unknown number of intruders smashed the Reception glass door in order to enter the establishment, and made away with some cash. SOS panic button pressed.
28 August 2020, Break-In, Commercial Site, Kelvin Road South, Chitungwiza:
About two (2) suspects gained forced entry into the premises through the roof. It is not yet certain what was stolen. The matter was reported to the police. Panic signal received. Response team dispatched.
15 August 2020, Break-In, Commercial Site, Chinhoyi Street, City Centre:
An unknown number of intruders gained forced entry through the roof, coming from the neighbouring store and stole some cash, a cellphone, 10x face masks, 1x 2kg bag of rice, 1x 2kg bag of sugar, 1x 2l cooking oil, 2x green bars of soap, and 1x 5kg bag of roller meal from a truck which was parked on the premises. The matter was reported to the police. No guard on site.
21 August 2020, Break-In, Commercial Site, Corner Harare Street/ Samora Machel Avenue, City Centre:
At 00:14hrs, an unknown number of intruders gained entry to the premises, and forced open the door using a sharp object. It was discovered that one (1) of the monitors was stolen. The matter was reported to the police. Alarm signal received. Response team dispatched. Guard on site.
26 August 2020, Break-In, Commercial Site, Corner 1st Street/ Tamuka Street, Dzivarasekwa:
An unknown number of intruders cut the razor wire fencing and two (2) palisade bars on the southern side of the premises in order to gain entry. Once inside, the intruders cut one (1) palisade bar for the generator cage. The intruders stole generator batteries and siphoned diesel fuel after removing the drainage cap. The matter was reported to the police. Alarm signal received. Response team dispatched. No guard on site.
05 August 2020, Theft, Commercial Site, Samora Machel Avenue, Eastlea:
Two (2) intruders gained access to the building by opening the Reception door at 00:24hrs. There were no signs of forced entry. This triggered the alarm, and the intruders fled by scaling the wall on the eastern side of the premises. A computer CPU was discovered to be missing. The matter was reported to the police. Alarm signal received. Response team dispatched.
27 August 2020, Attempted Break-in, Base Station, 5th Avenue, Glen View:
An unknown number of suspects cut through the palisade bars, twisted the bars and attempted to siphon fuel from the generator.
17 August 2020, Break-In, Base Station, Scott Road, Hatfield:
At 03:29hrs, an unknown number of intruders damaged one (1) palisade bar from the eastern side of the base station and proceeded inside where they twisted a camera facing the network house and forced open the door for the network room. It is not yet clear what has been stolen. The matter was reported to the police. Alarm signal received. Response team dispatched. No guard on site.
22 August 2020, Break-In, Base Station, Unnamed Street, Mabvuku:
At 12:34hrs it was reported that an unknown number of suspects stole fuel from the premises. The matter was reported to the police. No guard on site.
25 August 2020, Break-In, Industrial Site, Martin Drive, Msasa:
About four (4) intruders cut the razor wire fencing in order to enter the premises. There were many footprints discovered along the durawall. The intruders stole an undisclosed number of boxes of tiles. Panic signal received. Response team dispatched. Guard on site.
12 August 2020, Attempted Break-in, Industrial Site, Martin Drive, Msasa:
An unknown number of suspects gained access onto the premises and forced open the window. The suspects entered the building but failed to open an internal screen.
15 August 2020, Break-In, Commercial Site, Martin Drive, Msasa:
Four (4) suspects gained forced entry through the back door and stole 5 x 10 x 1l carbon sulphide fertilizer and 25 x 8 x 1l empty boxes. The matter was reported to the police. Guard on site.
18 August 2020, Break-In, Base Station, Snake Park:
At 01:55hrs, video alarm footage captured an unknown number of intruders scaling the wall in order to enter the premises. The intruders damaged two (2) palisade bars and twisted one (1) of the cameras, then proceeded to attempt to force open the generator pipe, but failed to do so. 2x 20l and 1x 200l empty containers, as well as a large battery were recovered outside. The matter was reported to the police. Alarm signal received. Response team dispatched. Guard on site.
26 August 2020, Break-In, Commercial Site, Harare Drive, Southerton:
It was reported on the 27th that on the 26th at around 09:00hrs, an unknown number of intruders cut the coiled razor wire on the eastern side of the premises in order to gain entry and took 2x 12-volt truck batteries from a vehicle which was parked on the premises. The matter was reported to the police.
24 August 2020, Break-In, Base Station, Eaglesvale, Willowvale:
About five (5) intruders gained forced entry into the premises, attacked and tied up the detail on site, and stole fuel and some batteries. The matter was reported to the police. Response team dispatched. Guard on site.
03 August 2020, Break-In, Service Station, Warren Park 1:
An unknown number of intruders damaged the main entrance door of the convenience store and stole some engine oil. The matter was reported to the police. Panic signal received. Response team dispatched. Guard on site.
31 August 2020, Break-in, Industrial Site, Douglas Road, Workington:
An unknown number of suspects broke through the durawall and removed a dog kennel from the premises.
24 August 2020, Break-In, Industrial Site, Coventry Road, Workington:
At 07:55hrs it was reported that about two (2) suspects forced open the storeroom door and stole 120 litres of diesel fuel as well as 2x jerry cans. Alarm signal received. No guard on site.
22 August 2020, Intrusion, Commercial Site, Herbert Chitepo Avenue, City Centre:
At approximately 01:30hrs, one (1) intruder was spotted on site. The intruder, however, fled the premises before Response arrived. Panic signal received. Response team and Medical dispatched. Guard on site.
09 August 2020, Intrusion, Commercial Site, Samora Machel Avenue:
Two (2) intruders were spotted trespassing on site. No losses reported.
29 August 2020, Intrusion, Industrial Site, Shepperton Road, Graniteside:
At 00:20hrs, it was reported that one (1) suspect gained entrance into the premises, and was chased after. A warning shot was fired into the air by internal security. Nothing was stolen. Shot fired. Response team dispatched.
15 August 2020, Intrusion, Industrial Site, Shepperton Road, Graniteside:
At 03:07hrs it was reported that an unknown number of intruders entered the premises. Nothing was damaged or stolen. Panic signal received. Response team dispatched.
27 August 2020, Intrusion, Residential Site, North Road, Greendale:
At 03:33hrs, about three (3) intruders scaled the durawall while fleeing from Dulwich Road, where the intruders vandalized a transformer. The complainant fired some warning shots into the air, and the intruders fled from the premises. Response team recovered a bolt cutter. The matter was reported to the police. Alarm signal received. Shots fired. Response team dispatched.
13 August 2020, Intrusion, Commercial Site, Martin Drive, Msasa:
At approximately 02:40hrs it was reported that one (1) intruder was spotted on site by the guard. The guard blew their whistle and the intruder fled. Response team dispatched. Guard on site.
31 August 2020, Intrusion, Fuel Station, Unnamed Street, Mbare:
One (1) suspect was apprehended after being seen on site. The suspect was handed over to the police by the response team.
08 August 2020, Intrusion, Industrial Site, Coventry Road, Workington:
An unknown number of suspects were seen trespassing on site. An alert guard saw the suspects and chased them away.
07 August 2020, Intrusion, Industrial Site, Nuffield Road, Workington:
An unknown number of suspects gained access onto the premises and were seen an alert guard. The suspects are suspected to have tried to steal a hose pipe from the premises. The suspects fled the scene empty handed.
22 August 2020, Attempted Theft, Industrial Site, Spurn Road, Ardbennie:
One (1) suspect was searched at the exit gate and found to be holding a sack containing 11x new grinding discs, 1x old jack, 1x roll of new sandpaper, 1x 50mm coupling, 1x bag of tomatoes, and a hair clipper. The suspect rushed to board public transport, leaving the sack behind at the gate. The investigation is still ongoing. Guard on site.
24 August 2020, Theft, Commercial Site, Samora Machel, Eastlea:
An unknown number of suspects gained access onto the premises and removed computer from the premises after accessing an open window.
28 August 2020, Theft, Residential Site, Rhodesville Road, Eastlea South:
At 04:55hrs, an unknown number of intruders entered the garage and stole two (2) jerry cans. Alarm signal received. Response team dispatched. No guard on site.
17 August 2020, Attempted Theft, Retail Site, Chiremba Road, Hillside:
One (1) suspect was apprehended for receipt-shoplifting. Stolen items include 60 bricks of Everest, 3x 750ml bottles of Hennessey, 2x t-shirts, 1x 750ml bottle of Smirnoff and 1x 2l 7 Up soft drink. After a thorough check of the receipt at the exit point when apprehended, the items were left at the till. The matter was reported to the police.
15 August 2020, Theft, Residential Site, Bridgenorth Road, Kamfinsa:
At 02:47hrs it was reported that an unknown number of suspects stole three (3) solar batteries from the premises. The theft is believed to have occurred at around 01:00hrs. The complainant declined police involvement. Panic signal received. Response team dispatched.
29 August 2020, Theft, Residential Site, Faversham Close, Mabelreign:
An unknown number of suspects stole a laptop, some groceries, pots and clothing items from the house while the complainant had travelled. Guards on site.
21 August 2020, Theft, Residential Site, Chelsea Close, Marlborough:
At approximately 01:00hrs, an unknown number of suspects arrived at the gate of the premises. The suspects scaled the wall and stole the gate motor. The matter was reported to the police. Alarm signal (gate motor sensor) received. Response team dispatched. No guard on site.
20 August 2020, Theft, Commercial Site, Gilchrist Drive, Marlborough:
About three (3) suspects arrived on site through the front gate in a Toyota Wish vehicle. The suspects to enter the building and proceeded to the cage using cut keys and stole some engine oil. The matter was reported to the police. Guard on site.
26 August 2020, Theft, Industrial Site, Robert Drive, Msasa:
It was reported to Control that there were noises coming from the roof of the building. One (1) suspect was involved. Nothing was reported damaged or missing. Response team dispatched. Guard on site.
07 August 2020, Theft, Residential Site, Corner Harare Drive/ Alpes Road, Pomona:
One (1) suspect was seen on CCTV taking a drill from the shelf and hiding it underneath their clothing. The matter was reported to the police. CCTV footage captured. Guard on site.
13 August 2020, Theft, Residential Site, Goodrington Drive, Sunridge:
At 05:33hrs, residents heard a noise coming from the small interior gate of the premises, and pressed the panic button. Some clothing and shoes were discovered stolen from the staff quarters. Two (2) suspects were involved. Panic signal received. Response team dispatched. No guard on site.
21 August 2020, Theft, Residential Site, Chatsworth Road, Vainona:
An unknown number of suspects entered the yard and stole 1x outside sensor. Response team dispatched.
17 August 2020, Theft, Retail Outlet, Coventry Road, Workington:
One (1) out of six (6) suspects was arrested on site for stealing 4x pork thighs. The suspect is believed to have connived with five (5) other suspects, two (2) of which are currently at large. The matter was reported to the police. Guard on site.
29 August 2020, Theft from Vehicle, Commercial Site, Ardmbare Properties Complex, Ardbennie:
Between 10:00hrs and 11:00hrs, an unknown number of suspects took 2x handbags from a parked vehicle belonging to complainants who had gone into the shop. The matter was reported to the police. Guard on site
03 August 2020, Theft from Vehicle, Residential Site, Kensington Road, Highlands:
At 02:27hrs, an unknown number of intruders entered the yard and smashed the back-screen window of a vehicle which was parked on the premises. The intruders stole a car battery. Panic signal received. Response team dispatched.
05 August 2020, Theft from Vehicle, Industrial Site, Borgward Road, Msasa:
An unknown number of suspects gained access onto the premises and removed four (4) batteries and a tent from trucks parked on site.
31 August 2020, Theft from Vehicle, Commercial Site, Auckland Road, Southerton:
An unknown number of suspects gained access onto the premises via an undisclosed access point and removed a vehicle battery from the site.
MASHONALAND EAST
02 August 2020, Armed Robbery, Residential Site, Mzuca Tarisa Road, Ruwa:
At 21:35hrs, three (3) robbers, one (1) of them armed with a gun and another armed with an axe, invaded the yard and force marched one (1) of the residents into the house. Upon entry into the house, panic button was pressed by the complainant, triggering the alarm, and the robbers fled the premises. No damage or loss was conceded. The matter was reported to the police. Panic signal received. Alarm signal received. Response team dispatched.
13 August 2020, Attempted Theft, Commercial Site, Sunway City, Ventersburg, Ruwa:
Repeat Incident: At 02:48hrs, one (1) suspect was arrested for attempted theft of some poles. The matter was reported to the police. Alarm signal received. Response team dispatched. Repeat Incident – Same Site as 11 August incident.
11 August 2020, Attempted Theft, Commercial Site, Sunway City, Ventersburg, Ruwa:
An unknown number of suspects accessed the premises and stole some poles. The matter was reported to the police. Alarm signal received. Response team dispatched.
MATABELELAND
19 August 2020, Break-in, Doncaster Road, Belmont:
An unknown number of suspects gained access into the building after breaking through window. The suspects took one (1) laptop and fled the scene.
23 August 2020, Attempted Break-in, Retail Site, 14th and Fife Street, City Centre:
An unknown number of suspects attempted to break into the store by cutting through the zinc roof. The alarm activated and the individual fled the scene.
07 August 2020, Attempted Break-in, Residential Site, Andersen Road, Highmount:
An unknown number of suspects attempted to gain access into the building by forcing open the gate.
25 August 2020, Break-in, Residential Site, Unnamed Road, Suburbs:
An unknown number of suspects jumped over the fence and forced open the front door. The suspects took a decoder and jewellery from the premises and fled the scene. The suspects also broke into a neighbouring house that same night.
25 August 2020, Break-in, Residential Site, Unnamed Road, Suburbs:
An unknown number of suspects jumped over the fence and forced open the window. The suspects took a computer from the premises and fled the scene.
11 August 2020, Break-in, Base Station, Unnamed Road, Tshabalala:
An unknown number of suspects forced open the palisade bars and removed batteries from the base station.
09 August 2020, Theft, Mine, Unnamed Road, Inyati:
An unknown number of suspects entered the premises and removed an undisclosed amount of ore from the premises.
MANICALAND
12 August 2020, Theft, Commercial Site, Herbert Chitepo, City Centre:
An unknown number of suspects gained access onto the premises and small bucket and non-functioning kettle from the premises.
21 August 2020, Attempted Theft, Mine, Unnamed Road, Mutare:
One (1) employee removed a steel drill from one (1) of the tunnels.
04 August 2020, Theft, Commercial Site, Durban Road, Nyakamete:
Two (2) male suspects entered the premises and removed a disused gate remote rail from the site. The suspects were seen loading a grey caravan without registration plates.
MASHONALAND WEST
22 August 2020, Break-In, Residential Site, Katanga, Norton:
At 08:24hrs it was reported that an unknown number of intruders gained forced entry into the premises, and stole a sewing machine, 12x empty maize bags, a Wi-Fi modem and a PlayStation console. The matter was reported to the police. Alarm signal received. Response team dispatched. No guard on site.
MASVINGO
23 August 2020, Break-in, Base Station, Unnamed Road, Chiredzi:
An unknown number of suspects forcibly opened the palisade bars and accessed the generator. The suspects siphoned an undisclosed amount of diesel from the site and fled the scene.
27 August 2020, Attempted Break-in, Residential Site, Ironwood Road, Rhodene:
An unknown number of suspects gained access onto the premises and forced open the window but failed to enter the house.
MIDLANDS
GWERU
06 August 2020, Attempted Break-in, Residential Site, Steedman Road, Athlone:
An unknown number of suspects tampered with the French door but failed to enter the house.
15 August 2020, Break-in, Retail Site, Unnamed Road, Gweru East:
An unknown number of suspects forcibly entered the premises via the back door and removed one (1) box coil from the site.
KWEKWE
24 August 2020, Attempted Theft, Retail Site, Unnamed Road, Kwekwe:
One (1) individual was apprehended after attempted to unlawfully remove sixteen (16) bricks of cigarettes from the premises.