MONTHLY OVERVIEW
- Criminal incidents dropped and are down slightly on last year February.
- 81% of all incidents target business premises. This is an increase from January.
- Most criminal activity reported is between 1800 – 0300hrs.
- Armed Robberies are targeting businesses holding significant sums of cash with inadequate protection. In all cases the attacks were well prepared and involved removal of CCTV recording equipment if installed in an obvious place.
- Armed Robberies this month mainly in the southern part of Harare. Most cases point to an element of insider knowledge.
- In February there has been an increase in Armed robberies occurring at Fuel Stations. It is believed a small group of individuals are targeting Fuel Stations across Zimbabwe. The common times are from 2200 – 0200. It has been noted that in many cases safe keys were in offices allowing robbers easy access to safe contents.
- Reports continue to circulate related to the use of fake US dollars.
- Theft from motor vehicles in public car parks and shopping centres decreased in February.
- In the retail sector we have seen an increase in shoplifting.
- Sites that have a combination of early detection systems such as a guard on property, electric fence, internal or external alarm linked to our response have experienced a reduction in incidents and loss.
TREND INFORMATION
METHOD OF EXECUTION AND TARGETED ITEMS
HIGH RISK SITUATIONS
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OUTLOOK
There is no change to the outlook reported last month.
Inflation will drive opportunistic crime and internal theft as real wages fall for those earning Zimbabwe Dollars.
More power cuts in the month ahead as power shortages kick in more forcefully. Security systems all run on some form of backup power with the exception usually of CCTV. Check your power backup and connect where possible to solar and standby power to keep lights, cameras, and alarm systems up and working.
We may see more theft of batteries, and fuel from generators and vehicles as power cuts extend and the usage of fuel increases and becomes less manageable.
Darker roads also mean the likelihood of more vehicle accidents, and access to homes after hours is riskier. Free-standing solar-powered lights are more affordable now and think about the installation at main gates, access to buildings and choke points to deter /detect movement in these areas.
Cash remains the target. Resist the temptation to keep large sums of money at home, or unsecured at work. Take out suitable levels of insurance for cash – if you are not securing it properly you will lose it.
Water shortages persist, and control of water stocks may need attention as demand for water grows.
A reminder that the statistics show that those who remain aware, have more than one level of security, and use their security systems, are less likely to suffer a serious loss.
The Easter holidays are upon us. Check your security and emergency response systems. If you have the Safeguard App you can test your alarm via the App and do not need to call in a technician to do this for you.
Be aware of what is happening around you, report suspicious movement and activity, and remove yourself from the area if uneasy. Make use of the Safeguard App whilst away from home to call for assistance if needed.
MONTHLY BREAKDOWN
TOWN/SUBURB BREAKDOWN
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INCIDENT SUMMARY
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Bulawayo
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Theft– 03 February 2024, 0118, Inyathi, Bulawayo: At a business site a guard at a mining company discovered that a staff member was carrying a bottle of water that contained gold ore pieces. The incident was handed over to management.
Theft – 05 February 2024, Time unknown, Killarney, Bulawayo – At a residential site an unknown number of intruders cut the perimeter razor wire and proceeded to the kitchen door where they broke the screen door and the kitchen padlock and entered the house. They stole a TV set, 5 solar batteries, 8 monarch bags with various clothing and an unknown number of blankets. The client did not hear anything and acknowledged the alarm was not armed.
Theft – 06 February 2024, 2200hrs, CBD, Bulawayo – At a business site an unknown male driver who was driving a vehicle only described as a Fortuner, gave the petrol attendant, a fake USD100 note and requested USD20 worth of fuel. The fuel attendant unsuspectingly did the transaction and gave the culprit USD80 change only to notice that the USD100 note was fake after the offender had driven away.
Suspicious Person – 09 February 2024, 0001hrs, Kelvin, Bulawayo: At a business site the guard on post noticed two suspicious people within the premises where they should not be. The guard called for the reaction team to be dispatched and upon arrival, the suspects jumped over the wall into the next property. Due to the actions of the guard on site, no items were reported stolen.
Theft – 11 February 2024, 1342, Lobengula, Bulawayo: At a business site a guard at the exit found two minors were attempting to steal 2 x 250g of polonies. The two concealed the polonies within their pant legs. Management was informed of the incident.
Theft – 13 February 2024, 1400hrs, Bradfield, Bulawayo: At a business site five unknown intruders were observed stealing a concrete mixer which was left by contractors outside, by cutting it with a cutting torch to make it portable. When the guard approached them, they ran away, but two of them were apprehended with the help of the reaction team and were handed over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Khumalo where a police report was opened for further investigations.
Theft – 15 February 2024, 0001 – 0500, Kelvin West, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown number of intruders cut the perimeter fence and sneaked into the property unnoticed. They proceeded to a parked truck where they syphoned about 40 litres of diesel and left place of scene undetected. The theft was discovered in the morning at 0500hrs, and the case was reported to ZRP Western Commonage.
Attempted Theft – 21 February 2024, Time Unknown, Paddonhurst, Bulawayo: At a residential site 3 unknown intruders jumped over the durawall and proceeded to try and break the lock to the main door. The homeowner was awakened by the noise and pressed the panic button which caused the suspects to flee.
Suspicious Person – 21 February 2024, Time Unknown, Woodlands, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown person who was being chased by the police and members of a neighbourhood watch jumped over the wall into the property. The suspect then proceeded to exit the property on the other side of the premises.
Attempted Theft – 24 February 2024, 0054, Tshabalala, Bulawayo: At a residential site an unknown number of intruders jumped over the durawall and attempted to break into the house. The alarm was triggered which scared the intruders and they quickly fled the scene. No items were reported stolen.
Theft – 27 February 2024, Time Unknown, Belmont, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown number of intruders entered the site through unknown means and proceeded to steal 50 litres of diesel from the site.
Harare
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Theft– 03 February 2024, 1319, Chisipite, Harare: At a business site there was a dispute between the owner and a customer over a solar battery. Instead of waiting to hear from the manufacturer on the replacement policy for the batteries the customer decided to take 4 lithium batteries by force.
Theft– 03 February 2024, 0134, Greendale, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team tended to the site. The owner of the business along with the reaction team investigated the site and found that intruders gained access to the property and stole an alarm sensor. They did not gain access to the building and did not steal anything inside of the building as the alarm was sounding.
Theft – 07 February 2024, 0210hrs, Avondale, Harare: At a residential site the guard on site utilized the radio to inform Safeguard that there were multiple intruders on site. The reaction team was deployed to the site. Upon arrival, it was found that the intruders had stolen three water taps and fled the scene once the guard confronted them.
Armed Robbery – 06 February 2024, 2210hrs, Bluff Hill, Harare: At a business site a panic signal was received, and Safeguard reaction and Quick Reaction Force was deployed to the service station. Upon arrival, the service attendant articulated that they pressed the panic button after the intruders left. There were 6 intruders armed with 3 pistols and arrived in a twin cab Nissan Hardbody white in colour. The intruder came asking for fuel and proceeded inside where the cash was being stored. There were no damages done as the office was open at the time. The intruders were able to steal USD cash that was collected that night.
Attempted Theft – 07 February 2024, 0105hrs, Tafara Way, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and a reaction team was sent to the site. Upon arrival the team discovered that 1 palisade bar was cut and bent on the western side of the property. The generator lock was broken, and a hose pipe was found in the tank. It is suspected that fuel was stolen however there were no containers or fuel drops found on the ground.
Public disturbance – 07 February 2024, 1111hrs, Arundel Village, Harare: At a business site; guards on site noticed two people having a dispute which was disturbing the shops in the area. Safeguard reaction team was called to tend to the scene. and removed the people from the area.
Armed Robbery – 08 February 2024, 0207hrs, Masasa, Harare: At a business site multiple alarm signals were received. The reaction team was deployed and upon arrival heard gunshots. The Zimbabwe Republic Police deployed an armed unit of officers to tend to the scene. At this time, it was established that an unknown number of intruders had broken the main door of the warehouse, two inside doors, and the receiving door. It is suspected that the intruders stole sunlight washing powder but were prevented from stealing more with the arrival of the response team.
Theft – 09 February 2024, 0208hrs, Greendale, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the area. It was discovered that 2 TelOne cables were stolen just off the intersection of Green Grove and Russel/Trinity Road.
Theft – 09 February 2024, 0800, Borrowdale, Harare: At a business site an unknown number of suspects stole 3 silver flushing systems from the toilet. It is suspected that this was an inside job as only 4 people had keys to the area and no cameras were recording the surrounding area. The police have been notified of the incident.
Theft – 09 February 2024, 1500, Chitungwiza, Harare: At a business site a trucker parked his vehicle on the property and topped up fuel as per procedure. He was gone from 31 Jan 2024 to 9 Feb 2024. Upon coming back, he checked the level of fuel in his vehicle and found that 88 litres were missing. This incident was not reported to the police and is still under investigation.
Smash and Grab – 10 February 2024, 1455, New Alexandra Park, Harare: At a business site there was a large function in which many cars were parked out on the road. At least 2 known suspects were peeking into cars looking for valuables. The guard on site noticed the two and gave chase. Further down the road, a car alarm could be heard. The suspects were breaking into vehicles along the road whose valuables were in plain sight in the vehicle. The suspects ran to a getaway vehicle (Runx Silver in colour no reg plate.) that was stationed nearby. It was reported that 1 laptop was known to be stolen. No police report was submitted for this incident.
Armed Robbery – 10 February 2024, 0217, Mabvuku, Harare: At a business site at a service station at the turnoff for Mabvuku drive from Mutare Road 6 suspects 2 of them armed with pistols arrived at the service station and overpowered the security guard on the post. The suspects tied up the security guard and a trucker who was asleep in his vehicle. The suspects stole a cell phone and some cash from the truck driver. Afterwards, the suspects attempted to open a mounted wall safe using dynamite but failed to do so. They then tried to force open the main door of the building and the alarm triggered. Just after the Quick Reaction Force arrived on the scene firing shots into the air scaring
away the 6 suspects. The only theft reported was from the trucker.
Attempted Theft – 12 February 2024, 0018, Ruwa, Harare: At a residential site a panic signal was received, and a reaction vehicle was sent to the site. Upon arrival at the site, the team met with the homeowner, and it was discovered that an unknown number of suspects entered the premises. There was no durawall or fencing on the property. The intruders cut the chain and key lock for the veranda screen door and broke the sliding glass door. The homeowner heard the noise and woke up. The homeowner then fired a warning shot at the suspects and pressed the panic button. No items were reported stolen.
Suspicious Person – 13 February 2024, 0225, New Alexandra Park, Harare: At a business site the guard on duty noticed an intruder entered the premises to steal. The guard deployed their dog and was able to apprehend the intruder and waited for Safeguard Reaction to assist. The reaction team took the intruder to the police station.
Armed Robbery – 12 February 2024, 2325, Southerton, Harare: At a business site the client called requesting a reaction team as the client received a report of intruders on site. The reaction team and quick reaction force arrived on the site and discovered that the guard on a neighbouring property heard a large group later identified as 7 Armed intruders attempting to destroy durawall panels on the back of the property. The person on the property ran away in fear forgetting to press their panic button when the armed robbers fired a shot in the air. By the time the reaction and quick reaction force arrived the intruders fled the scene without stealing anything.
Theft – 13 February 2024, 1800, Masasa, Harare: At a business site the guard on duty was performing employee searches and discovered a worker turned around and went back to the staff room. They followed him to the room and discovered the worker removing a Plex Angle valve from their clothing. The matter was reported to management and Safeguard escorted the worker to the Rhodesville Police Station.
Theft – 14 February 2024, 0110, Greendale, Harare: At a business site a panic signal was received, and the reaction team was sent to the site. Upon arrival, the guard on site reported that he saw a person with a torch on the property near the fuel tanks. The guard approached the person and they fled from the site. The guard noticed there was a 5-meter-long hose attached to the fuel tank to be used to syphon fuel. Thanks to the action of the guard, it was reported that there was no fuel stolen.
Attempted Theft – 15 February 2024, 0024hrs, Greendale, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. Upon investigation, they determined that an unknown number of intruders cut the fence on the southern side of the building. There were no signs of forced entry into the building and no items were reported stolen at this time.
Suspicious Person – 15 February 2024, 0210hrs, Emerald Hill, Harare: At a residential site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. The team met with the caretaker who was with the trespasser. The trespasser stated that she jumped the wall from next door to avoid her boyfriend after a misunderstanding.
Theft – 15 February 2024, 1407, Meyrick Park, Harare: At a residential site the homeowner pressed the panic button when they got home when they discovered that someone had broken into their home. The homeowner went out shopping and left the door unlocked and the alarm off. USD cash and a Samsung Tablet were stolen.
Armed Robbery – 16 February 2024, 2345, Ruwa, Harare: At a business site guard posted at a service station was threatened by 3 armed men with firearms. It is unknown at this time what type of firearms were used. The guard was tied up and made to lay on the floor. Another team of robbers started to break into the door to the shop and upon entry they triggered the alarm system. When the reaction team arrived, the armed robbers fired upon the reaction team. This prompted the reaction team to call for the quick reaction team and as the QRF team arrived the armed robbers fled the scene along the railway line. The robbers blew into the safe and discovered that the safe was empty. The robbers took a panic button and OC Spray from the guard.
Theft – 17 February 2024, 0037, Rhodesville, Harare: At a business, the owner requested a response team as there were intruders in the building. The local guard on duty was alerted to noise coming from inside the building and notified the owners. Upon their investigation, they saw smoke coming from the safe room and discovered that the save had been blown into by an unknown number of intruders. The robbers managed to steal cash and vandalize the alarm system.
Theft – 19 February 2024, 0033, Southerton, Harare: At a business site an alarm activation was received, and the reaction team arrived on site. They met with a caretaker on the property and did an investigative walk around the property and did not discover anything out of the ordinary. They advised the keyholder of the activation. Upon arrival of the keyholder in the morning it was discovered that there was a break-in that was not noticeable from outside the building. An unknown number of intruders are suspected to have jumped over the durawall and forced open the door of the changing room by removing the door levers. The intruders proceeded to force open other inside
doors to access the workshop. The intruders stole various tools that were located within storerooms.
Armed Robbery – 25 February 2024, 0001, Southerton, Harare: At a business site at 0634 Safeguard received a call to send a reaction team to assist in a robbery that had taken place that night. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the two guards had been tied up with shoelaces. The guards on-site stated that 10 robbers armed with pistols and crowbars arrived wearing face masks and entered the premises around midnight. They then broke the door leading into the building, and located where the safes were at. One safe was blown into with an unknown explosive and a small safe was taken from the premises. It is unclear at this time what items were stolen.
Theft – 26 February 2024, 0219, Greystone Park, Harare: At a residential site an unknown number of intruders broke into the premises intending to steal the gate motor. Upon attempting to steal the gate motor the alarm went off and scared the intruder away. However, the intruder managed to steal the gate battery before fleeing.
Armed Robbery – 25 February 2024, 0220, Alex Park, Harare: At a business site an unknown number of intruders removed the top two panels of the durawall to gain access. The intruders attacked the caretaker with a hammer. One intruder with a revolver was guarding the caretaker while the others made entry into the building through a small aluminium window. Once inside they broke the glass door to the strong room where they used bolt cutters to cut the expander door. The intruders then used dynamite to open the strong room door and broke into the three safes. It is unclear what items were stolen at this time.
Attempted Theft – 24 February 2024, 0120, Graniteside, Harare: At a business site six intruders gained access to the premises by removing the middle durawall panel to get around the razor wire on top. They cut the locks of a shutter door at the warehouse and lifted the gate. They then used a metal bar to force open the lock of an aluminium door. Upon breaking the door lock the alarm system sounded and this caused panic in the intruders, and they fled the scene empty-handed.
Manicaland
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Attempted Theft – 1 February 2024, 0256, Avenues, Mutare: At a residential site an alarm was triggered, and a response team was sent to the site. The team found that the bottom strands of the electrical fence had been cut. This caused the alarm to go off and scare the intruders away.
Attempted Theft – 07 February 2024, 0512hrs, Nyakamete, Mutare – At a business site a Safeguard area Supervisor arrived at a shop to do his daily checks and noticed a big black plastic bag in a bin. Which was out of place at that time. The Supervisor discovered the bag was filled with 12 cases of super Chibuku. The Supervisor informed the client of the findings.
Theft – 14 February 2024, Time Unknown, Buhera, Manicaland: At a business site an unknown number of intruders entered the premises and stole a submersible pump. This was only discovered in the morning.
Mashonaland East
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Theft – 09 February 2024, Time Unknown, Marondera, Mashonaland East: At a business site the company discovered that 4,732 litres of fuel were stolen between 7
th December 2023 and 09 February 2024. The normal stock take was not performed during that time, and it is unknown if this was an internal or external incident.
Attempted Theft – 22 February 2024, 0035, Marondera, Mashonaland East: At a business site an alarm activation signal was received. Upon arrival of the reaction team, it was found that an unknown number of intruders attempted to force open a window that had burglar bars attached. They fled the scene by the time the reaction team arrived, and nothing was reported stolen.
Matabeleland North
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Theft – 24 February 2024, Time Unknown, Hwange, Matabeleland North: At a business site an unknown number of intruders gained entrance to the premises by cutting a hole in the fence at the southern end of the site. They then proceeded to steal a motorbike from the car park. The matter was reported to the police.
Midlands
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Attempted Robbery – 08 February 2024, 2244hrs, CBD, Gweru: At a business site a group of men in a Toyota Fortuner pulled into the service station requesting fuel. They produced a $100 USD bill which was a real note, then they said they wanted to pay in rand. They changed their minds once again and said they wanted to pay within USD and produced a fake $100 USD bill. The attendant noticed and a fight ensued where the attendant was dragged before being forcefully thrown away from the vehicle in motion.
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The Safeguard Team
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If you want to know more about crime in your area or would like some advice, please drop us a line at info@safeguard.co.zw. You can also call Safeguard on +263 242 751395-9 the Safeguard extension 1092/1009 for assistance).