MONTHLY OVERVIEW
- Criminal incidents have increased since February and are down when compared to March 2023.
- 26.32% of all incidents targeted residential premises. This is a slight increase from February.
- Most criminal activity reported is between 1700 – 0400hrs.
- Armed Robberies have decreased but continue to target fuel stations during the nighttime hours.
- Armed Robberies in Harare have taken place on the outskirts of town.
- Theft from motor vehicles in public car parks and shopping centres has increased in March seeing most of the incidents occurring in the Highlands and Lewisam suburbs.
- Fake USD notes have seen a transition from using $100 USD notes to using $10 USD notes and requesting fuel stations to exchange for real $100 USD notes.
- Sites that have a combination of detection systems such as a guard on property, electric fence, and internal or external alarm linked to our response have experienced a reduction in incidents and loss.
- We have seen an increase in attempted thefts (no items stolen).
- There have been thefts at Churches that occurred on Sundays in the late hours of the night.
- Where we have had a detection and the siren has sounded this has prevented or limited loss and driven the intruders away. Based on this if you have an alarm make sure it is audible, and where guards are on patrol give them a panic button so that they can sound the siren in an emergency.
- Be aware around College Road and Churchill intersection as there has been an increase to Smash and Grabs at that intersection towards the late hours of the night.
MODUS OPERANDI/METHOD OF EXECUTION AND TARGETED ITEMS
HIGH RISK SITUATIONS
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OUTLOOK
The reported structured currency announcement due on the 5th is driving real anxiety and it is likely that more cash is being held at homes and businesses- which raises the risk of incidents.
Of interest is the recently released Zimststats report which shows that crime in Harare, Masvingo, and Bulawayo is well above the national average. This follows the general reports we have across the country. Useful to note that for those that use Safeguard crime in these areas is down or stable year on year.
GENERAL ADVISORY
If you are keeping cash at home or work, make sure you are insured if it is not exceptionally well protected. Risks related to cash remain high.
CRIME STATS
MONTHLY BREAKDOWN
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TOWN/SUBURB BREAKDOWN
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4TH QUARTER 2023 CRIME STATS FROM ZIMSTAT.CO.ZW
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PROVINCE BREAKDOWN OF CRIME
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Bulawayo
Theft – 02 March 2024, 0430hrs, Mahatshula North, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown number of intruders gained access through the roof by cutting burglar bars and breaking a window. Once inside they went to the manager’s office and stole USD cash and the DVR machine.
Attempted Theft – 02 March 2024, Time Unknown, Avenue, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown number of intruders gained access through the roof by storm damage that was not repaired. They dropped into the stationery room and used a crowbar to pry open the door to the admin stores. No items were reported stolen, it is assumed that the intruders were searching for cash.
Attempted Theft – 02 March 2024, 0308hrs, Ascot, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown number of intruders removed bricks from under the gate to gain access to the property. The alarm system activated, and the intruders ran away without stealing anything.
Attempted Theft – 04 March 2024, 0058hrs, Glencoe, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown number of intruders gained access to the premises by cutting the electric fence and proceeded to the house. The intruders broke a lounge window which caused the alarm to go off. Upon the arrival of the reaction team, it was found that no items were stolen due to the alarm scaring away the intruders.
Attempted Theft – 07 March 2024, 1651hrs, Ascot, Bulawayo: At a residential site an intruder gained access to the property and broke a window in the rear of the house. The homeowner was home during this time and spotted the intruder activating their panic button. This caused the intruder to flee from the scene.
Theft – 10 March 2024, Time Unknown, Avenue, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown number of intruders stole 2 batteries from a truck that was parked on the premises.
Suspicious Person – 21 March 2024, 2030hrs, Killarney, Bulawayo: At a business site the guard reported that he had seen a suspicious vehicle (no further description given) moving up and down between Rosal and Old Nic mines. A reaction team was despatched to the site, but on their arrival, the vehicle had already gone and ZESA cables belonging to Old Nic mine were recovered indicating the suspicious people could have been cable thieves. The cables were handed over to Internal security and the client was advised to make a police report.
Attempted Theft – 26 March 2024, 0153hrs, Hillside, Bulawayo: At a business site an alarm activation was received, and the reaction team went to the site. An unknown number of intruders sawn off the burglar bars to the window of the building which triggered the alarm system and caused them to flee. No items were reported stolen.
Theft – 28 March 2024, 0600hrs, Belmont, Bulawayo: At a business site a guard manning the contract stole a cardboard box.
Suspicious Vehicle – 31 March 2024, 2030hrs, Parklands, Bulawayo: At a business site a guard on site noticed a car driving down the road that was showing abnormal behavior. The guard called for the reaction team to respond to investigate and discovered the vehicle had left by the time they arrived. The team searched the area and found Zesa cables had been stolen and left behind supposedly by the car.
Theft – 31 March 2024, 2030hrs, Lochview, Bulawayo: At a residential site the owner activated the panic alarm after discovering her purse was lying outside of her window. The reaction team arrived and discovered that an unknown number of intruders were able to gain access to the purse through an open window. The intruders fished out the purse and stole USD cash that was inside leaving the rest on the lawn and fleeing the scene.
Harare
Attempted Theft – 02 March 2024, 0308hrs, New Marlborough, Harare: At a residential site a panic signal was received, and the reaction team arrived on site. An unknown number of intruders cut cables for two solar batteries that were stored in the garage. The garage door was left open by the gardener before knocking off for duty that night. The reaction team managed to find the batteries outside of the durawall.
Theft – 03 March 2024, 0211hrs, Chishawasha, Harare: At a residential site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team arrived on the site. An unknown number of intruders entered the premises through another yard where the durawall as shorter. The electric fence was not linked to the response service. The intruders broke an aluminium window in the bathroom which they used to make entry and steal two laptops. They then broke an aluminium window in the kitchen to escape.
Theft – 03 March 2024, 0038hrs, Chinhoyi, Harare: At a business site an unknown number of intruders broke the outside palisade bar to enter where the fuel was being stored. They rotated the camera that was overlooking the area to hide their identities. Around 816 litres of fuel and a battery had been stolen.
Theft – 03 March 2024, Time Unknown, CBD, Harare: At a business site a metal gold sign was stolen off the building. It is unknown at this time to the number of people involved in the incident.
Theft – 06 March 2024, 0226hrs, Ballantyne Park, Harare: At a residential site the homeowner pressed the panic button because he had seen an intruder in the house. Upon the arrival of the reaction team, it was discovered that the intruder forced open the main door. Proceeded upstairs where he stole a wallet with no cash and a bag.
Theft – 08 March 2024, 0705hrs, Lochinvar, Harare: At a business site an unknown number of intruders broke 3 durawall panels on the side of the perimeter that had a railroad next to it. The intruders proceeded to a trailer nearby and stole plates and nets.
Theft – 08 March 2024, 0354hrs, Avonlea, Harare: At a residential site the homeowner pressed the panic button after noticing that the dining room window was open, and the burglar bars were twisted. The intruder managed to steal 5kg of beef from the fridge. The reaction team arrived at the scene and confirmed the intruder was no longer on the property.
Attempted Theft – 08 March 2024, 0209hrs, Greendale, Harare: At a residential site the homeowner called Safeguard requesting a response team. Upon arrival, the team discovered that an unknown number of intruders twisted burglar bars and broke a window outside of a spare bedroom. When the intruders entered the room the alarm system had triggered. At the time of the alarm activation, Safeguard phoned the homeowner and was told to cancel the response team only to discover the incident 10 minutes afterward. No items were reported stolen.
Robbery – 13 March 2024, Harare: Reports confirmed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police show that 5 churches have been the victims of robberies over the last 3 weeks in the Harare area. These criminals are targeting cash collected during services on Sunday and striking on Sunday nights.
Suspicious Person – 14 March 2024, 2047hrs, Ballantyne, Harare: At a business site the guard monitoring the CCTV system found a man enter the premises through a drainage system. The guard requested a reaction team deploy to the site. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the person was mentally ill and ran away during the investigation.
Attempted Theft – 14 March 2024, 2228hrs, Hatcliff, Harare: At a business site the dog handler on site apprehended an intruder. No items were stolen, and the person was taken to the police station.
Theft – 15 March 2024, 0153hrs, Glen Lorne, Harare: At a residential site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. Upon arrival, the homeowner stated that an unknown number of intruders entered the premises over a durawall that had no razor wire or an electrical fence. The intruders stole 4 outside sensors and when the alarm went off the intruders ran away.
Smash and Grab – 16 March 2024, 1930hrs, New Alexandra Park, Harare: At the intersection of Churchill and College Road there was an unknown number of intruders who broke into the car while it was waiting at the light. It is unknown at this time if any items were stolen.
Theft – 16 March 2024, 0201hrs, Avenues, Harare: At a business site an intruder broke into the premises through unknown means. The intruder proceeded to the barber shop on site which had no alarms installed. The intruder stole 2 hair clippers from the barbershop. Upon attempting to open windows for the office the intruder activated the alarm system and as he was fleeing the caretaker spotted him.
Attempted Theft – 16 March 2024, 0200hrs, Graniteside, Harare: At a business site two intruders used a makeshift ladder to scale the durawall and gain entrance to the property. The two intruders used a catapult to attack the guard on site which caused him to flee behind the building. The intruders then forced open the main entrance aluminum door and proceeded to one of the offices. It is unknown at this time if any items were stolen.
Theft – 17 March 2024, Time Unknown, Southerton, Harare: At a business site the guard on site discovered during his patrols that a truck was missing two batteries.
Attempted Theft – 17 March 2024, 0056hrs, Mount Pleasant, Harare: At a residential site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team arrived at the scene. Upon arrival, it was discovered that an unknown number of intruders derailed the razor wire on the durawall and removed the top panel. No items were reported stolen.
Robbery – 19 March 2024, 0500hrs, Epworth, Harare: A guard working for Safeguard Security Services was assaulted on his way to work. He sustained injuries to his head and right hand. The unknown number of robbers took his phone, wallet, and USD cash that was on his person.
Smash and Grab – 19 March 2024, 0910hrs, Masasa, Harare: At a business site a Silver Landcruiser parked in the business parking lot, and the owner proceeded inside of the store. When the owner entered the shop, a Toyota Auris pulled next to the Landcruiser, and one person exited the vehicle and proceeded to break the front passenger window. They then quickly stole a laptop and a large sum of cash. The incident happened quickly enough that the guard on site was unable to react to the incident in time and the robbers got away.
Attempted Theft – 20 March 2024, 0910hrs, Eastlea, Harare: At a business site the guard on site was attacked by 3 intruders who scaled over the durawall. The guard was struck on the head and leg with bricks causing heavy bleeding. The guard was taken to the hospital. No items were reported stolen as the intruders fled the scene.
Assault – 21 March 2024, Time Unknown, Southerton, Harare: A cash in transit was blocked by an unregistered Kombi. The vehicle was cleared forcefully with the use of pepper spray and an arrest was made.
Attempted Theft – 21 March 2024, 2309hrs, Highlands, Harare: At a business site a panic signal was received, and the response team rushed to the site. On arrival, the response team chased away an unknown number of intruders who jumped over a durawall that had no top guarding near a bushy area. The intruders vandalised the main hall entrance and broke into the Pastor’s office. The reaction team was able to prevent any items from being stolen due to the early detection of intruders.
Theft – 22 March 2024, 0217hrs, Borrowdale, Harare: At a residential site a panic signal was received, and the response team rushed to the site. On arrival, the response team chased off the intruders who lifted the gate off the rails to gain entry to the premises. The intruders ran away stealing the alarm sensor that covered the gate area. It is suspected that the intruders were targeting the gate motor however were stopped by the presence of the response team.
Attempted Theft – 24 March 2024, 2349hrs, Greendale, Harare: At a residential site an alarm activation was received, and the reaction team visited the site. The homeowner declined the reaction vehicle to come to the site at first as they were checking around first. The homeowner did call for the reaction vehicle to come as someone broke into their property. An unknown number of intruders cut the razor wire and the electric fence on the western side of the property. The electrical fence was not connected to the response team, but the yard sensors triggered when the intruders crossed the beam. No items were reported stolen.
Attempted Theft – 24 March 2024, 0328hrs, Southerton, Harare: At a business site a panic signal was received, and the reaction team arrived on site. The guards on site pressed the panic button after they discovered an unknown number of intruders broke the 2 bottom panels of the durawall. The intruders stole 18 corner plates from a truck parked on the premises. The intruders used the patrol routes of the guards to go undetected.
Theft – 24 March 2024, 0920hrs, Prospect, Harare: At a residential site the homeowner phoned stating that their property had been broken into and requested a reaction vehicle. An unknown number of intruders cur the electric fence in 4 different areas to gain access to the property. They broke into one house, but it is unknown at the time what items were stolen.
Armed Robbery – 25 March 2024, 0528hrs, Mount Hampden, Harare: At a business site an alarm activation was received at 0528, and the reaction team went to the site. At 0047 there was an alarm signal at site and the guards on site reported that all was in order. When the reaction team arrived for the second signal it was found that 11 armed intruders broke into the site by removing the durawall panels at the back of the property. The intruders tied up the 3 on site guards, broke the roller shutter to gain access to the warehouse. They made their way to where the CCTV room and stole the DVR, the pistol from the guard, and a cell phone. They broke into the safes, but there were no items inside. The case was reported to the Mount Hampden police station.
Theft – 27 March 2024, 0349, Waterfalls, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the Reaction Team deployed to the site. It was discovered that an unknown number of intruders removed the screen of an office window to gain access to the building. The alarm was triggered by this action and the intruders fled from the scene.
Smash and Grab – 27 March 2024, 2040hrs, Borrowdale, Harare: At a business site parking lot a Toyota Hilux single cab silver grey in colour had its driver’s side window broken by an unknown number of persons. There was a bag that contained a laptop, keys, and binoculars which were stolen. The incident was reported to the Highlands Police Station.
Theft – 28 March 2024, 2335hrs, Norton, Harare: At a business site an alarm activation occurred, and the reaction team deployed to the site. An unknown number of intruders removed two palisade bars to gain access to the generator. They then cut and folded up two bars on the cage that housed the generator. The intruders were interrupted by the reaction team attempting to siphon fuel from the diesel tank. The intruders fled the scene and took with them the two palisade bars that they removed. The crush security
guard on site reported he was in a distant building at the time of the incident and did not notice the incident taking place.
Theft – 29 March 2024, Time Unknown, West Gate, Harare: At a business site the guard on site noticed that a generator battery had gone missing. No other information on how many intruders and methods of entry was discovered. The incident is currently being investigated.
Armed Robbery – 30 March 2024, 0230hrs, Harare South, Harare: At a business site a panic signal was received; the reaction team deployed to the site. The 3 fuel attendants stated that 4 armed robbers one wielding a shotgun approached them at 0230 and they managed to press the panic button at the time of arrival. At the time 2 of the 3 fuel attendants drove their cars to grab soldiers that were nearby to assist. By the time the soldiers and Safeguard arrived at 0241, the intruders had broken into the manager’s office and used dynamite on the safe. The intruders fled the scene with a large sum of money before the soldiers and Safeguard arrived on site. Investigations are still ongoing as the Reported time of the incident is suspicious.
Manicaland
Attempted Theft – 02 March 2024, Time Unknown, Mutare: At a business site an unknown number of intruders gained access to the premises through unknown means. They proceeded to where fuel was stored and used a hose to syphon fuel from the containers. An alarm sounded as they were attempting to steal the fuel which caused them to panic leaving behind their hose and containers. No fuel was reported stolen however fuel was found dispersed in the area.
Theft – 16 March 2024, 0735hrs, Nyakamete, Mutare: At a business site an employee of the company stole 2 litres of product by decanting them into cooking oil bottles. The guard on site found the bottles blocking a drainage system.
Theft – 19 March 2024, 1230hrs, Riverside Avenue, Mutare: At a business site an employee stole a large sum of cash trying to hide the theft in sales ledgers. This was discovered by the owner of the company and since handed over to the police.
Theft – 26 March 2024, Time Unknown, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site intruders broke two durawall panels to gain access to the property. The intruders targeted trucks that were parked outside and stole 4 x 12 volt batteries from the trucks.
Theft – 26 March 2024, Time Unknown, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site intruders managed to steal 580 meters of barbed wire from the fence surrounding the property. No other information is available currently.
Attempted Theft – 29 March 2024, 2330hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site the guard on site heard sounds coming from the back of the warehouse. Upon investigating the noise, the guard found 3 intruders who ran away from the building. The intruders managed to peel away a metal windowpane but was disturbed by the guard before they were able to make entry. No items were reported stolen.
Mashonaland Central
Armed Robbery – 13 March 2024, 0020hrs, Chiweshe, Mashonaland Central: At the business site six intruders who were armed with a pistol attacked the three employees who were working at the time. The intruders stole $20,000 USD and three cell phones.
Armed Robbery – 17 March 2024, Early Moring, Rusununguko, Mashonaland Central: At a business site an unknown number of intruders fired shots at the school’s security staff with an unknown weapon which resulted in an injury. The intruders stole a Toyota Dyna 3-tonne lorry silver grey.
Mashonaland East
Assault – 09 March 2024, 0820hrs, Marondera, Mashonaland East: At a business site a male entered the bank after withdrawing money and went into the manager’s office. The man then assaulted the Manager and required everyone to leave the bank. At that time an employee pressed the panic button. Safeguard response team went to the site and managed to arrest the individual. The matter has been handed over to ZRP Marondera Central.
Mashonaland West
No reports currently.
Masvingo
Attempted Theft – 14 March 2024, 2040hrs, Masvingo: At a business site an intruder cut the razor wire off the top of the durawall and gained access to the property. The guard on site noticed the intruder was targeting a TATA lorry truck that was parked close to the durawall attempting to steal fuel. The intruder fled the scene after the guard noticed the intruder and attempted to apprehend them.
Suspicious Person – 21 March 2024, 0013hrs, Victoria Ranch, Masvingo: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. On arrival, the team found 2 unknown persons who were charging their laptops. One of the suspects ran away leaving behind their laptop and the one remaining behind was taken to the police station.
Matabeleland
No reports currently
Matabeleland North
Attempted Theft – 20 March 2024, 2030hrs, Victoria Falls: At a business site a panic alarm was received after two guards on site discovered a white Isuzu truck that was parked outside of a construction site. During the guard’s investigation, they found a man going through bushes attempting to gain access to the site by scaling the security fence. They managed to grab the man off the fence and a fight ensued. Which resulted in one of the guard’s sustaining injuries to his back and arm. The man was taken to the local police station and later discovered he was an employee of the company attempting to steal ceiling rolls.
Midlands
Theft– 18 March 2024, 1920hrs, Gweru, Midlands: At a business site a guard on site was caught by the CCTV operator stealing 8 – 1 litre bottles of Chibuku from the back of a truck that was parked on site.
Attempted Theft – 23 March 2024, 0200hrs, Redcliff, Kwekwe: At a business site an alarm activation was received, and the reaction team visited the site. They patrolled outside of the building and did not discover anything abnormal. At 0829 the business phoned asking for the response team to come as there was an attempted theft. An unknown number of intruders cut the backside window burglar bars and entered the building. They damaged the front counter door and the door leading to the vault. They failed to open the vault and nothing was stolen.
Thank you for using Safeguard.
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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).