Safeguard Crime Report – June 2021

by | Jul 15, 2021 | Incident Reports

CRIME OVERVIEW SUMMARY

As per the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Twitter page, violent crime increased by more than double in the past month. It is evident that criminals have access to information on the people that are either known to carry or large amounts of money, with significant amounts of money stolen from homes and vehicles in the past month.

During security assessments in the past month, Safeguard noticed that a number of businesses are operating with their gates open and handling money in open areas, thus increasing the risk of being targeted.

Unlike the past months whereby violent crime was mainly reported in Harare and Bulawayo, last month, violent crime was reported nationwide including Mashonaland East, Masvingo, Manicaland and Matabeleland South. Additionally, assaults during robberies and injuries as a result of shots fired were reported in Harare and Bulawayo.

Graphical Representation of Crime Incidents:

Targets

Money continues to be targeted in homes and vehicles. Vehicles were stolen from homes and public places such as shopping centres and town/city centres.

Modus Operandi

From the received incidents, it is evident criminals are using inside information to target individuals. Forced entry was the most common modus operandi with criminals jumping over durawalls or forcing open gates and invading homes whilst residents were either asleep or relaxing in the evening.

Security Advice

  • Sites that have safes are more vulnerable to being targeted and both businesses and individuals are urged not to keep money onsite, especially overnight. If a safe is not being used, it is better to remove it or if it’s built in, open it so that individuals know there is no money kept inside.
  • Businesses are urged to desist from storing more money than is insured on site. Review your insurance as part of your cash handling management policy.
  • Install a UR fog security system and biometric access controls at cash offices. Additionally, ensure that the ceiling is reinforced along with roof cavity sensors to prevent break-ins through the roof.
  • Make sure your routine is not too predictable (frequently change your routes and departure/arrival times) and be wary of who knows about your routine and business operations.
  • Always keep the gate closed and locked, do not open the gate for unexpected/unannounced visitors.
  • Most incidents were reported in the late evenings whilst residents were either asleep or sitting inside their homes. The house alarm should always be activated and you should sleep with your panic button close.
  • Do not wait for an incident to happen for you to discover that your panic button or alarm system is not working. Test your alarms and panic buttons regularly and contact Safeguard Alarms for any technical assistance. Additionally, ensure you service your alarm system as per the technician’s recommendations for a satisfactory alarm system performance.
  • Ensure that you have a comprehensive security system from the outside going in. This includes having a functional electric fence or security beams, sensors within the yard, an alarm in the building, and a panic button for your family employees.

Outlook

It is important to note that the ZRP has made a number of arrests with the most recent robbery suspects arrested on the 3rd of July 2021 in Kuwadzana. These efforts do have a positive impact of the level of crime especially when swift arrests are made. However, the efforts of the police and the private security sector can be rendered almost useless if businesses and individuals do not review their security measures and cash handling policies.

Additionally, given the recent price increases and the demolition of informal structures, crime is likely to remain a cause for concern with break-ins likely to increase as affected individuals turn to crime to sustain their livelihoods.

Crime is ever evolving and your own lifestyle and business operations may have changed since your last review. As a result, please do not hesitate to contact Safeguard or your relevant security manager at Safeguard for a review of your security systems.

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