MAY 2021 OVERVIEW
Though Bulawayo has been the main focus of violent crime in the past month, early this month a resident was also struck with a hammer during an armed robbery in Harare. The suspects were also armed with a pistol, though it wasn’t fired. An armed suspect was also arrested by the Lewisam Patrol Team in Harare. Retailers and petrol stations are currently vulnerable to armed robbery incidents with most incidents occurring towards closing times as criminals target the day’s earnings, mainly foreign currency.
Nationwide and Harare Crime Overview
Targets
Batteries were also targeted in the past month, with most batteries stolen from vehicles at industrial sites. Between May and June, three incidents of vehicle theft were reported in Harare. Stolen vehicles are often used to commit other crimes.
Modus Operandi
Security Alerts
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 neighbors to verify suspicious vehicles and to warn them.
Security Advice
- Do not be complacent about your security systems, especially if you carry or store large sums of money on-site or if you are known to be in a business that has a high cash turnover. Ask Safeguard to review your security systems including guarding, alarms and infrastructure to ensure it is effective.
- Always lock all inter-leading doors before you sleep as criminals can easily access your house or business if one access point is compromised. For example, access through the bathroom can lead to the bedrooms if the bathroom isn’t locked.
- Ensure that your staff and family know how to respond in the event of an armed robbery on site.
- 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.
- Be vigilant and scrutinize people that have access to your property or business operations.
- 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
Retailers, especially stand-alone supermarkets should expect an increase in break-ins as criminals target groceries that can be resold on the black market. 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.
MAY 2021 INCIDENT SUMMARIES
HARARE
Armed Robbery
12 May 2021, Unknown time, Residential Site, Chitungwiza – Six armed robbers forcibly entered a house in Chitungwiza armed with a pistol. The robbers attacked the residents and demanded money from the residents. The robbers removed money and a cell-phone from the house and fled the scene. Neighbours gave chase and managed to apprehend one robber whilst the other five fled in a silver Toyota Allion vehicle. The suspects were arrested and found with a pistol, air gun, explosives and fake police uniforms.
Robbery
5 May 2021, 20:20, Residential Site, Granta Road, Vainona – A phone call was received and a response team was dispatched. Intruders were seen jumping from one property to another. The team brought some police officers to the scene. It was discovered that six intruders armed with logs and an axe had robbed a neighbouring property of cash, a phone and two wedding rings.
22 May 2021, 02:15, Religious Site, Simon Mazorodze Road, Waterfalls – A cellphone panic was received and a response team was dispatched. Intruders came onto the property and demanded that the external guard give them his pellet gun which had no ammunition. The guard was injured as the intruders attacked him during the altercation. No further damages reported. Southerton police attended the scene.
27 May 2021, 07:00, Commercial Site, William Powlett Drive, Philadelphia – A female employee was attacked as she was closing the shop. The suspect who had a stone, struck the employee when she said she did not have money. The suspect stole two phones and fled the scene.
Assault
2 May 2021, Residential Site, Beddington Close, Marlborough – Control room was called and a team was dispatched. An intruder was seen in the yard. The intruder came face to face with the private guard, the guard was struck on the hand with a stone. The intruder ran away empty-handed. The response team fetched police officers to attend the scene.
Break-in
2 May 2021, 19:00, Residential Site, Lark Rise Road, Philadelphia – Three male suspects attempted to enter the premise which is under construction but fled the scene when they were disturbed by patrolling guards.
6 May 2021, 01:38, Commercial Site, Prince Edward Street, Kensington – An alarm activated and a team was dispatched. Intruders gained access into the building by cutting the aluminium door with an unknown sharp object, nothing was reported stolen. Avondale Police attended the scene. An overnight guard was requested.
6 May 2021, 04:03, Residential Site, Yarmouth Avenue, The Grange – A panic signal was received and a team was dispatched. The team checked the property for intruders and all was okay. Police were attending a report of a break-in next door, on the way out shots were fired at the team as the police thought they were intruders.
12 May 2021, Unknown time, Base Station, Dande Road, Mabvuku – Intruders were reported on site. They gained access by vandalising three palisade bars. However, they did not get into the booster. Nothing was reported stolen.
13 May 2021, 01:20, Residential Site, Lapford Avenue, Hatfield – An alarm signal was received and a team was dispatched. Intruders broke the lounge door but did not enter. Nothing was reported stolen. Police involvement was declined.
14 May 2021, Unknown, Residential Site, Domboshava Road, Philadephia – An unknown number of intruders forcibly accessed the premises and stole a television, cellphones and DVDs.
14 May 2021, 01:49, Residential Site, Yarmouth Avenue, The Grange – A panic signal was received and a team was dispatched. The house is under renovations, the caretaker pressed the panic button when he heard noises on the roof. The team said that some roof tiles were moved but it was unclear if the intruders got inside because the caretaker didn’t have keys for the house. However, a screen door which was leaning against a wall was reported stolen. The keyholder will attend to see if anything else has been stolen. Highlands Police attended the scene.
17 May 2021, 04:33, Base Station, Alexandra Drive, Hatfield – A video signal was received and a reaction team was sent. Intruders broke one palisade bar to gain entry. The team saw a vehicle parked outside the premises. However, they blocked the vehicle from leaving. The driver was arrested and 16 containers full of diesel were recovered. 8 batteries were also reported missing. Hatfield Police attended the scene.
17 May 2021, 00:21, Base Station, Epworth – A videoed signal was received and showed that one camera was covered. A reaction team was dispatched. The team discovered that the intruders cut one palisade bar to gain entry into the property. One palisade bar was cut to enter the cage that houses the generator. No fuel spillages were seen on the ground. The case was reported to Sunway City Police.
18 May 2021, 06:00, Residential Area, Harare Drive, Marlborough –A break-in was reported by a guard. Two televisions and two solar batteries were stolen. The case was reported to Highlands police.
22 May 2021, 23:58, Residential Site, Highgate Road, Philadelphia – An intruder attempted to force his way through the garage doors but fled the scene when the neighbourhood watch team responded to the site.
23 May 2021, 04:23, Residential Area, New Davis Way, Bluff Hill – A panic signal was received. An intruder scaled the durawall and forced open the kitchen door. A plasma TV, a tablet and a cellphone were stolen from the house.
21 May 2021, 08:21, Fuel Station, Charter Road, City Centre – An alarm signal was received and a team was dispatched. The branch manager confirmed there was a break in the previous night. The intruders forced open the toilet door to gain entry into the premises. Eight tyres worth $600 USD were stolen. The intruders did not enter the armed zone so no signal was received. The case was reported to Harare Central Police.
26 May 2021, 00:52, Commercial Site, 2nd Street, City Centre – An alarm signal was received and a team was dispatched. The intruders smashed a shop window to gain access into the property. An external guard was manning the back of the shop. The keyholder was advised and police attended the scene.
28 May 2021, 07:45, Commercial Site, Abercorn Street, City Centre – Intruders gained access into the premises through the roof by removing an iron sheet. An ASUS laptop was stolen. An alarm signal was received during the night but all appeared in order.
Intruder
2 May 2021, Residential Site, Grasmere Lane, Borrowdale – A panic signal was received and a team was dispatched. Noises were heard in the yard. The team discovered intruders gained entry by cutting the razor wire. Police attended the scene. Nothing was reported missing.
2 May 2021, Residential Site, Kingsmead Road, Borrowdale – A panic signal was received and a team was dispatched. The team noticed the main gate was half open, and the intruders tried to force open the kitchen door but failed, they also cracked a kitchen window. The gate motor was tampered with. Two gas tanks were stolen. Borrowdale police attended the scene.
2 May 2021, Commercial Site, Martin Drive, Msasa – A panic signal was received and a reaction team was dispatched. The external guard on site said there was an intruder who drained fuel from a truck. The keyholder was advised.
2 May 2021, Industrial Site, Coventry Road, Workington – Control room was called and intruders were reported on site. The reaction team noted the intruders were street kids who wanted snacks which are made on site. They ran away on the arrival of the reaction team.
9 May 2021, 01:10, Residential Site, Kent Road, Chisipite – A guard raised to the control room that there was an intruder on site. The intruder attempted to steal a Zesa cable. However, when noticed by the guard the intruder fled leaving the Zesa cable. The matter was reported to Highlands Police.
30 May 2021, 22:06, Residential Site, Henley Drive, Waterfalls – An alarm signal was received and a response team was dispatched. A man was seen looking through the client’s window. When questioned, he said that he didn’t know how he got there. The team handcuffed him and uplifted him to Waterfalls Police Station.
31 May 2021, 02:14, Residential Site, Fane Road, Borrowdale – An alarm signal was received and a team was dispatched. The client saw intruders in her yard who had cut Zesa cables. Borrowdale Police attended the scene.
Theft
9 May 2021, 04:52, Residential Site, Browning Drive, Strathaven – A panic signal was received and a reaction team was dispatched. An unknown number of intruders jumped over the durawall, damaged the gate key, and stole a blue Honda fit.
11 May 2021, 01:00, Public Location, William Powlett, and Hogerty Hill Drive, Philadephia – An unknown number of suspects stole electricity cables from the area and fled the scene.
17 May 2021, 15:41, Residential Site, Denbigh Avenue, Belvedere – A client phoned in and reported that a laptop and two cellphones were stolen off of the site.
17 May 2021, 06:30, Residential Site, Windybee Way, Philadelphia – An unknown number of intruders removed a bin from the premises and fled the scene.
19 May 2021, Unknown time, Industrial Site, Coventry Road, Workington – A client phoned and reported that six iron bars and a sensor were stolen off of the site. Workington Police attended the scene.
23 May 2021, 07:00, Residential Site, Wiltshire Road, Greendale – A client phoned in and reported that their vehicle, a white Toyota Corolla, was stolen during the night. The gate was left 30cm open and the electric fence was cut. The case was reported to Rhodesville Police.
24 May 2021, 06:30, Residential Site, Windybee Way, Philadelphia – A neighbor saw a suspect attempting to steal a bin. He was confronted and fled the scene empty-handed.
28 May 2021, 07:50, Residential Site, Yarmouth Avenue, The Grange – A phone call was received reporting a theft. A gate sensor was stolen during the night. A reaction team was sent and Highlands Police attended the scene.
31 May 2021, 01:44, Commercial Site, Hillside Road, Hillside – Control received a message that there were intruders on site. Reaction team was sent. The detail on-site raised to the control room that 8 heavy-duty batteries were stolen from 4 trucks. The intruders gained access into the property by using a makeshift ladder. The detail saw the shadow of an intruder scaling the durawall as they were leaving. Rhodesville police attended the scene.
Theft from Vehicle
1 May 2021, Residential site, Mendel Road, Avondale – A phone call was received and the resident reported that an unknown number of intruders stole her car radio from her car. Another resident also had the radio stolen from her car. There was no sign of break-in or damage on the fence and no alarm signal was received. Avondale Police attended the scene.
1 May 2021, Commercial Site, Ramon Road, Graniteside – A customer had their vehicle broken into, and a purse with an undisclosed of money was stolen. The duty manager was advised and the matter was reported to ZRP.
11 May 2021, 16:24, Commercial Site, Fife Avenue, Avenues – An employee from the site had her car broken into and her wallet containing cash and her phone stolen. The case was reported to ZRP Milton Park.
16 May 2021, 05:44, Industrial Site, Loreley Crescent, Msasa– A panic was received and a team was dispatched. Three parked vehicles had their batteries stolen. Some diesel spills were seen on the ground; diesel was drained from one of the vehicles. Two intruders were seen fleeing holding a fuel container. The panic button was pressed immediately.
16 May 2021, 21:30, Industrial Site, Conald Road, Graniteside – A team was called to attend a truck which was having fuel siphoned out. The driver and his accomplices fled the scene after they had already siphoned 2×20 liters of fuel. ZRP Braeside attended the scene.
20 May 2021, Unknown time, Educational Institution, College Road, Alexandra Park – A guard on-site pressed his panic button after he noticed that a car on-site had been broken into. A laptop was reported stolen from the vehicle.
BULAWAYO
Armed Robbery
28 May 2021, Travel and Tourism, Milnerton Drive – A male suspect arrived on-site, pulled out a pistol, and started assaulting the cashier whilst hurling insults at her. The suspect also hurled abuse at the porter before fleeing the scene empty-handed. The suspect was driving a black Toyota Fortuner registration AEK 9635.
22 May 2021, 18:46, Retail Site, Woodlands – Two armed suspects entered the store and held up employees demanding money. The suspects fatally shot a female employee in the head and fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.
16 May 2021, 00:15, Industrial Site, Harare Road, Fairbridge – An unknown number of intruders who were armed with a pistol cut through the fence and held up the internal and Safeguard guard on site. The intruders proceeded to the safe and used a grinder to open it. An undisclosed amount of money, extension cables, a 12-pound hammer, and the grinder were stolen from the premises. The guards only managed to inform the control room after the intruders had fled the scene.
Cash-In-Transit
27 May 2021, 11:00, Retail Site, Parklands – A gang of armed robbers driving four Honda Fit vehicles arrived on-site and fired warning shots before they removed six trunks of cash from a cash-in-transit vehicle. A seventh trunk was taken from a guard who was taking the money to the cash-in-transit truck from the supermarket.
Break-in
26 May 2021, Industrial Site, Robert Mugabe Way, City Centre – An unknown number of intruders forcibly opened the padlock and stole seven chickens from the site.
21 May 2021, Unknown, Base Station, Cowdry Park – An unknown number of intruders forcibly opened the palisade bars and attempted to enter the base station. The alarm activated and the intruders fled the scene empty-handed.
15 May 2021, 00:15, Restaurant Outlet, Fairbridge Way, Malindela – An unknown number of intruders forcibly entered the premises and removed three cellphones from the premises.
15 May 2021, 08:44, Residential Site, George Silundika, City Centre – The client called the control room after an unknown number of intruders attempted to forcibly enter the premises. No losses reported.
15 May 2021, 23:22, Base Station, Tshabalala – An alarm activation was received on site. An unknown number of intruders cut through the electric fence and razor wire but failed to access the premises. A night guard was deployed to the premises after the incident.
Intruder
02 May 2021, 00:22, Residential Site, Hall Road, Khumalo – The response team was dispatched after an alarm activated on-site. The team managed to apprehend an intruder on site.
Theft
18 May 2021, Unknown, Mine, Bubi – An unknown number of intruders stole fencing wire from the premises.
09 May 2021, Unknown, Educational Institution, Livingstone Road, Suburbs – A water pump was stolen from the site by an undisclosed amount of intruders.
07 May 2021, Unknown, Retail Site, City Centre – An individual was apprehended after stealing a number of food items from the store.
Theft from vehicle
18 May 2021, 06:00, Commercial Site, 6th Avenue Extension, Makokoba – An unknown number of intruders drained fuel from a vehicle parked on site.
16 May 2021, 11:13, Retail Site, Woodlands – An unknown number of intruders stole a handbag from a vehicle parked on site.
02 May 2021, Unknown, Industrial Site, Bon Accord, Steeldale – An unknown number of intruders forced open a vehicle parked on-site and removed a jacket and car jack from the vehicle.
MANICALAND
Break-in
26 May 2021, Unknown, Base Station, Feruka – An unknown number of intruders attempted to access the premises by cutting through the palisade fence and generator fence. The alarm activated and the intruders fled the scene empty-handed.
16 May 2021, 01:43, Base Station, Chikanga – An alarm activated on-site and the response team was dispatched on site. Upon arrival, the response team discovered that intruders had climbed over the palisade bars and siphoned fuel from the generators before they fled the scene.
07 May 2021, 19:37, Base Station, Florida – An unknown number of intruders attempted to force open the palisade bars to the base station but fled the scene empty-handed when the alarm activated.
07 May 2021, 14:19, Base Station, Rusape – Intruders covered a sensor with a pair of trousers and forced open the palisade bars before siphoning an undisclosed amount of fuel from the base station. The alarm activated when the sensors were disrupted and the response team was dispatched to the site.
07 May 2021, 23:46, Base Station, Dangamvura – An unknown number of intruders forced open the palisade bars and removed 10litres of diesel from the site. The alarm activated and the intruders fled the scene leaving behind the fuel and the 2 empty 20litre containers.
11 May 2021, Unknown, Commercial Site, City Centre – A drum and trays were stolen from behind the workshop on site after intruders forcibly entered the premises.
02 May 2021, 01:30, Base Station, Chikanga – An unknown number of intruders forcibly opened the palisade bars and attempted to siphon fuel from the generator using a hosepipe. The alarm activated and the intruders fled the scene as the response vehicle approached. No losses reported.
Theft
30 May 2021, Residential Site, Fern Valley: An unknown number of intruders attempted to steal a car wheel and two 45m long hosepipes from the premises. The resident pressed the panic button and the response team was dispatched on site. No losses were reported but a pair of safety shoes that are suspected to belong to an employee were recovered on site.
29 May 2021, Base Station, Fern Valley: An unknown number of intruders opened the fuel tank cage and inserted a hosepipe to drain fuel from the generator. The alarm activated and the response team was dispatched. No signs of forced entry.
10 May 2021, 11:48, Farm, Bvumba – An unknown number of intruders stole an undisclosed amount of barbed wire from the premises and fled the scene.
08 May 2021, Unknown, Retail Site, City Centre – Intruders stole armoured cable from the premises and fled the scene.
06 May 2021, 01:33, Petrol Station, Second Street, City Centre – An employee reported that money had been stolen from the office on site.
Theft from Vehicle
10 May 2021, 23:55, Industrial Site, Laduma Crescent, Nyakamete: An alert guard reported that an intruder had attempted to remove a battery from a vehicle parked on site.
MASHONALAND EAST
Armed Robbery
1 May 2021, Unknown time, Educational Institution, Ruwa – 5 intruders held up the guard and used explosives to blast open a safe and removed at least USD30 000 along with a cell-phone, a laptop, and a TV.
Date and time unknown, Educational Institution, Ruwa – Three armed suspects entered the school armed with pistols and attacked a teacher on site. The robbers stole money from the premises and fled the scene.
Break-In
27 May 2021, 07:50, Commercial Site, Chipukutu Road, Ruwa – A break-in was reported the previous night. Intruders cut the razor wire on the southern side. The water pipe was vandalized and stole some clothes which were on the line. The system sounded but no signal was received. Police interference was declined.
MASVINGO PROVINCE
Armed Robbery
15 May 2021, 19:00, Retail Site, City Centre – An unknown number of armed suspects entered the store at closing time and held up the employees. The suspects tied up the employees and customers and removed an undisclosed amount of money from the site.
Break-in
03 May 2021, 12:50, Retail Site, City Centre – Intruders forcibly entered the store and removed an undisclosed amount of property from the premises.
MIDLANDS
Break-In
26 May 2021, 12:36, Base Station, Mkoba – An unknown number of intruders attempted to force open the palisade bars but failed to access the premises.
20 May 2021, 14:52, Residential Site, Mkoba – Intruders forced open the door and removed food from the fridge before fleeing the scene.
Intruder
26 May 2021, 10:26, Mine, Shurugwi – An alert guard saw five intruders on-site carrying a bag of ore and raised an alarm causing the intruders to flee the scene.
Theft
08 April 2021, Unknown, Mining Site, Shurugwi – An alert guard arrested four illegal gold panners who had stolen 10kgs of stones from the site. The illegal panners were handed over to the police.