MONTHLY OVERVIEW
- Criminal incidents have increased since April and are up on last year.
- Crime continues to increase about 12% per month for the past 3 months.
- Historically we should see a decrease in crime over the next few months. However, we have seen a steady increase to crime.
- 24%ofallincidents targeted residential premises. This is an increase of 4% from April.
- Most criminal activity reported is between 1700– 0500hrs. Many of these incidents occur around midnight.
- We have seen an increase in intruders using the roof as an access point into buildings.
- The use of firearms remains a constant around those incidents targeting cash.
- Weak perimeters are the primary concern and properties with security systems not activated or maintained.
- In May, several schools across the country were the target. This included smaller schools outside of Harare and those with lower security awareness or measures in place.
- The number of Smash and Grabs have increased by one since April. Public areas where there are lone vehicles remain the targets of criminals.
- There has been an increase in theft cases this month. In some cases where property was lost the alarm system was not armed.
MODUS OPERANDI/METHOD OF EXECUTION AND TARGETED ITEMS
HIGH RISK SITUATIONS
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CRIME STATS
MONTHLY BREAKDOWN
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TOWN/SUBURB BREAKDOWN
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TOWN/SUBURB BREAKDOWN (CONT.)
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TOWN/SUBURB BREAKDOWN (CONT.)
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OUTLOOK
As predicted in the April report crime has increased this month overall. Economic stability and a more stable inflation rate may help to stabilise crime in the months ahead.
Long winter nights, long power cuts, and a generally tight economy do not give much hope for a significant reduction in crime.
GENERAL ADVISORY
Use your security system. In many cases not armed and needless loss. For many systems, maintenance is simple and does NOT require a technician on site. Ask for advice on common repairs and get to know your alarm system. If you are having trouble using your systems give us a call for advice or have a look at the website for common user instructions. Alternatively get a technology boost and upgrade your alarm for easier use over the phone. Visit website.
More theft solar equipment and batteries which are usually stored outside in less protected garages and sheds. Add some early warning with a simple contact that guards against movement day or night.
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The Safeguard Team
PROVINCE BREAKDOWN OF CRIME
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Bulawayo
Theft – 08 May 2024, 1800hrs, Paddonhurst, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown number of intruders stole 3 water taps from the premises. It is unknown at this time how they entered the premises.
Attempted Theft – 12 May 2024, 2000hrs, Lobengula, Bulawayo: At a business site a theft was found attempting to steal 1x200g of French polony by walking past the till. The accused was released after paying for the goods.
Suspicious Person – 12 May 2024, 2140hrs, Westondale, Bulawayo: At a business site the guard on site heard movement outside and alerted the CCTV camera operator to check. It was found that two intruders ran away into a nearby bush and empty bags were found stolen from the site.
Attempted Theft – 15 May 2024, 1115hrs, Westondale, Bulawayo: At a business site a person hid 150 flour bags inside of a rubbish bin with the intention of taking them later.
Attempted Theft – 15 May 2024, 1805hrs, Entumbane, Bulawayo: At a business site customer hid groceries inside their handbag and attempted to go past the till point.
Attempted Theft – 16 May 2024, 1848hrs, CBD, Bulawayo: At a business site customer tried to steal 1kg of boom washing powder but was searched by the guard manning the main access point.
Attempted Theft – 17 May 2024, 0318hrs, CBD, Bulawayo: At a business site an intruder gained access through unknown means and attempted to open a bathroom window to steal cloths that were hanging. Upon lifting the window, the alarm was activated, and the intruder fled from the scene.
Suspicious Person – 17 May 2024, 1735hrs, CBD, Bulawayo: At a business site an intruder was found in an open bay and the suspicious person fired a shot at a CID member. Detectives arrived on scene for further investigation.
Attempted Theft – 22 May 2024, 0340, Hillside, Bulawayo: At a residential site an unknown number of intruders cut the electrical fence to gain access to the property but fled the site due to dogs on the property. It is alleged that the suspects were after Zesa cables as other houses in the area are reported to have been missing Zesa cables.
Suspicious Person – 24 May 2024, 1930hrs, Gwabalanda, Bulawayo: At a business site a panic signal was received, and the reaction team was deployed to the site. The guard on duty apprehended a suspicious person who attempted to interfere with the fuel attendants. The suspect was behaving violently and causing a public nuisance. The suspect was taken to ZRP Luveve.
Attempted Theft – 24 May 2024, 0135hrs, Selbourne Park, Bulawayo: At a residential site an unknown number of intruders jumped over the wall gaining access to the premises. The intruder cut off the door handle to the main door and failed to enter the house. The intruder fled from the site.
Suspicious Person – 25 May 2024, Time Unknown, Inyathi, Bulawayo: At a business site the guard on patrol noticed gold panners had entered the area around the dam and left empty cement bags on the property.
Attempted Theft – 25 May 2024, 1925hrs, Westondale, Bulawayo: At a business site guards on site found 2 intruders who jumped over the Durawall. The intruders entered the stock feed storeroom where they were caught via CCTV cameras and apprehended by the guards.
Attempted Theft – 25 May 2024, 0111hrs, Ascot, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown number of intruders cut the padlock to the gate and gained entry to the premises. The intruders triggered a motion sensor alarm and fled from the site due to the alarm sounding.
Theft – 25 May 2024, 0135hrs, Matshemhlophe, Bulawayo: At a residential site an unknown number of intruders climbed over the Durawall and made entry into the premises. The intruder broke a french door and stole solar batteries, and a CCTV DVR recorder.
Theft – 26 May 2024, Time Unknown, Entumbane, Bulawayo: At a business site a shoplifter was caught on CCTV attempting to steal a 4-way adaptor and a box of Eversharp.
Theft – 28 May 2024, 1024hrs, Entumbane, Bulawayo: At a business site a shoplifter attempted to exit the store without paying for groceries. The guards at the exit points apprehended the shoplifter and escorted them to the local police station.
Harare
Suspicious Person– 02 May 2024, 0205hrs, Chinhamo, Harare: At a business site a customer demanded his vehicle be fuelled and that he would not leave until it was done. Safeguard response picked up police officers from Hatfield Police Station to assist.
Suspicious Vehicle– 02 May 2024, 2320hrs, Belvedere, Harare: At a business site a suspect parked their vehicle at a service station with the radio on full and decided to go to sleep. The response team went to site and attempted to wake the individual with no success. The Milton Park Police Officers was taken to the scene and determined the suspect was drunk and arrested the individual.
Suspicious Person– 04 May 2024, 1045hrs, Newlands, Harare: At a business site two women claimed to have a meeting with a person within the company. The guards checked the records and noted that no such meeting was planned. The women called their boss in which they were directed to go to another site owned by the company. The guards at that location noted that these women were prior members of the company, and the guards pressed the panic button to assist with denying entry to the company. When the reaction team arrived the two women left the premise.
Armed Robbery– 04 May 2024, 2200hrs, Borrowdale, Harare: At a business site 10 armed intruders approached a school and tied up the guard that was on site. The intruders were armed with an unknown firearm. They proceeded to the roof of the school and removed tiles to access the cash office. The intruders cut through the grill gate damaging the power cable in the process. It is unknown at this time the amount of cash that was stolen.
Theft– 03 May 2024, 1849hrs, Bluff Hill, Harare: At a residential site and alarm was activated, but no signal was received. An unknown number of intruders cut the razor wire to gain entry to the premises and stole the gate motor and battery.
Robbery– 05 May 2024, Time Unknown, Newlands, Harare: At a corner of Brompton and Maiden a young lady along with her two children were robbed at knife point by an unknown suspect. It is unknown at this time what items were stolen.
Smash and Grab – 07 May 2024, 0845hrs, Ashbrittle, Harare: At a business site a parent’s car was broken into while parked along the chase in front of the school. An unknown person broke the driver’s side window of a white Range Rover and stole a cell phone that was left out in the open.
Theft – 07 May 2024, 0119hrs, Haig Park, Harare: At a residential site an alarm signal was received, and the response team deployed to the site. Upon arrival it was discovered that an intruder cut the razor wire on the eastern side of the premise to gain access. The intruder proceeded to the domestic quarters and stole a phone and stole a cast iron septic tank lid. The incident was reported to the Mabelreign police.
Attempted Theft – 08 May 2024, 2141hrs, Basset Cres, Harare: At a business site 5 intruders with Machetes broke into a school premises. When they were attempting to break into the building a guard on patrol found them. The intruders tied him up and after 10 minutes another guard appeared and managed to chase away the intruders. No items were reported missing from the business.
Theft – 08 May 2024, 0233hrs, Bluff Hill, Harare: At a residential site a panic signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. 4 intruders cut the razor wire on top of the Durawall to gain access. The intruders proceeded to the gate and stole the motor. After the incident the caretaker said he hid and said it appeared one of the intruders had a pistol and that the gate motor and his personal laptop were stolen. A police report has been filed with the Mabelreign police station.
Attempted Theft – 09 May 2024, 0109hrs, Graniteside, Harare: At a business site a guard and 4 employees were arrested when they attempted to load more cargo than what was on the receipt. The guard who was posted at the gate checked the goods loaded vs the receipt and found that there was an error. Safeguard reaction team came to the site and escorted the 5 suspects to ZRP Braeside Police Station.
Armed Robbery – 10 May 2024, 2300hrs, Ruwa, Harare: At a business site 4 armed intruders wearing masks with pistols broke into the property and tied the guard up using shoelaces. The intruders broke into the warehouse and then into the admin block. The alarm sounded and it scared away the robbers. The robbers got away with a small amount of cash which was left inside of a reception desk. Alarm and CCTV systems were found and destroyed. The intruders left and went to another business nearby where they managed to break into a safe and steal a large sum of USD cash.
Theft – 10 May 2024, 0206hrs, Borrowdale, Harare: At a residential site the client phoned stating that intruders entered their house through an unlocked main door. The intruders stole a large sum of USD cash and various other goods. The house did not have an alarm system in place.
Attempted Theft – 12 May 2024, 1229hrs, Mabelreign, Harare: At a residential site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. Upon arrival it was discovered that the sliding dining room door was forced open, and the iron bar used was left on the ground. The intruders fled from the site when the alarm sounded, and no property was stolen.
Attempted Theft – 15 May 2024, 0218, Arcadia, Harare: At a residential site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. One intruder broke the main gate lock using a crowbar and gained access to the property. As the intruder was attempting to break into the house door the guard on site was alerted and approached the intruder. The intruder then fled from the site and no items were reported stolen.
Theft – 16 May 2024, Time Unknown, Workington, Harare: At a business site three trucks that were in the car park had 6 x 12v batteries stolen. It is unknown currently how many suspects there are.
Theft – 16 May 2024, 0505hrs, Avondale, Harare: At a business site a guard on site reported that an intruder was on site with an iron bar and broke into a cage that contained car oil. The intruder stole 2x 5 litres of engine oil.
Armed Robbery – 17 May 2024, 2147hrs, Mainway Meadows, Harare: At a residential site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. The quick reaction force along with armed police also tended to the site. The husband and wife just arrived home from grocery shopping when the maid alerted them that 4 armed intruders were looking over the wall. The husband managed to lock the kitchen door, but the intruders forced it open with a crowbar and shot the husband in the neck with an unknown weapon. The intruders then demanded cash from the wife and stole her handbag and then fled from the site. Ace Ambulance was sent to the site, but sadly the husband lost his life due to the injuries.
Suspicious Vehicle – 17 May 2024, 2300hrs, Avondale, Harare: At a business site a guard on site reported that a vehicle parked at the fuel pumps and noticed that the 5 males in the vehicle were fighting with the 4 females in the vehicle. It is suspected that this was an attempt to lure the fuel attendant close to the vehicle. The guard called for the reaction team and upon arrival the 9 suspects went back into their vehicle and drove away when they noticed the reaction vehicle drive in.
Theft – 18 May 2024, 2326hrs, Highlands, Harare: At a business site an unknown number of intruders jumped over a 1.5-meter Durawall with no top guarding. The intruders cut cabling to the sensors and proceeded into the building through the main door and vandalised the offices, coffee shop, and 2 other rooms. They then used a crowbar to dismount a safe and fled from the site with it.
Attempted Theft – 18 May 2024, 0845hrs, CBD, Harare: At a business site an alarm activation was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. An unknown number of intruders gained access by entrance through the roof. This triggered the alarm and the intruders fled from the site. No items were reported stolen.
Suspicious Person – 18 May 2024, 0047hrs, Msasa, Harare: The Reaction team was returning from a site when they noticed a Honda Fit was slowing down in the distance. Once the Honda Fit seen a vehicle was behind them, they sped away. The reaction team slowed down to search the busy area where the Honda Fit slowed down at and was shot at by 2 suspects hiding in a bush. The suspects fired 3 shots and one hit the vehicle in the fender. The guards in the reaction vehicle were not injured and they reported the incident to the police for further investigation.
Theft – 18 May 2024, 0040hrs, Kambanji, Harare: At a business site an alarm activation was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. An unknown number of suspects attempted to remove cables from the ground with an axe and fled from the scene when the reaction vehicle arrived leaving behind the axe.
Theft – 19 May 2024, 0129hrs, Mt. Hampden, Harare: At a business site a panic signal was received, and the response team deployed to the site. The guards on site noticed an unknown number of intruders on a ladder cutting the cables. When the intruders noticed the guards, they fled from the site with what items they had stolen.
Theft – 20 May 2024, 0510hrs, Belvedere, Harare: At a residential site an unknown number of intruders entered through an open domestic gate at the back of the property and stole 1 water tap at the domestic quarters.
Theft – 21 May 2024, 0209hrs, Waterfalls, Harare: At a residential site an unknown number of intruders jumped the diamond fence to gain access to the property. The intruders stole a silver water stopper after cutting it from the copper pipes.
Attempted Theft – 20 May 2024, 1630hrs, Workington, Harare: At a business site a guard manning the main gate searched another guard’s bag upon exiting and found 5 taper lock bushes in the bag and arrested the guard in question. The guard was escorted to the ZRP Mbare Police Station.
Smash and Grab – 21 May 2024, 2000, Highlands, Harare: At a business parking lot a Lexus vehicle was broken into. The suspects stole an iPad from the vehicle. Review of CCTV footage revealed the suspect was moving around with a Toyota Hilux GD6 model.
Theft – 23 May 2024, 1100hrs, Workington, Harare: At a business site a company vehicle was found without a battery by an employee. It is unclear when the battery went missing as the truck was parked in the car part for a long time.
Smash and Grab – 23 May 2024, 1824hrs, New Alexandra Park, Harare: At a business site a Toyota Hilux was broken into, and an iPad was stolen from the vehicle. It was later found in a bag outside of a residential address.
Armed Robbery – 23 May 2024, 1947hrs, Northwood, Harare: At a residential site 3 armed robbers wearing facemask with one wielding a pistol cut the diamond mess security fence to gain access to the property. The robbers entered the house through a back door which was unlocked at the time. The robbers locked the family of four in a bedroom, stole 2 cell phones and cash then fled from the scene. After the robbers had left the homeowner pressed the panic button. Safeguard reaction deployed to the site. The homeowner denied reporting the incident to the police at the time.
Attempted Theft – 23 May 2024, 0032hrs, CBD, Harare: At a business site a supervisor rider in the area was informed of a theft occurring at a nearby shop by local kids in the area. The supervisor made his way to the shop to find a man stealing cloths and a bag from the shop. The supervisor along with another security company chased the man down and arrested him recovering the stolen items. The suspect was taken to Harare Central Police station.
Theft – 25 May 2024, Time Unknown, Ardbennie, Harare: At a business site an unknown number of intruders cut the electric fence to gain entry. The intruders proceeded to break 2 shop windows and stole an undisclosed amount of cash.
Theft – 27 May 2024, Time Unknown, Southerton, Harare: At a business site during the middle of the night an unknown number of intruders cut 3 strands of barbed wire and non-functioning electric fence. The intruders then climbed onto the roof where they removed 4 windowpanes and entered the payments office and stole cash from a wooden drawer.
Armed Robbery – 27 May 2024, 2009hrs, Norton, Harare: At a residential site 3 intruders armed with 1 pistol hid by the gate and waiting for someone to enter the gate. When the daughter arrived home the 3-armed intruders followed the car onto the property and fired a shot. The daughter drove off and utilized another gate to escape. The intruders then proceeded to break a bedroom window that did not have protection and entered the house. The intruders broke the CCTV DVR recording device. The client activated their panic signal and by the time the reaction vehicle arrived the intruders fled from the property. It is unclear at this time if anything was stolen. The victims were safe and escorted to the police station.
Theft – 31 May 2024, 0545, Graniteside, Harare: At a business site client reported that one of their delivery trucks was parked outside the premises and had diesel fuel syphoned from its tank during the night.
Suspicious Person – 31 May 2024, 0010, Eastlea, Harare: At a residential site client called the control room stating that there were intruders on the premises. The reaction team deployed to the site and upon arrival the intruders were presumed to have fled. No property was stolen.
Armed Robbery – 31 May 2024, 0804, Ardbennie, Harare: At a business site the owner pressed the panic button and advised that an armed robbery took place around midnight. The guard on site stated that an unknown number of intruders forced open the main gate and pointed an unknown pistol at the guard. They proceeded to remove the burglar bars and windowpane of a warehouse window. The intruders are stated to have used a lorry to remove the stolen goods. The alarm system was deactivated just before midnight thus which allowed to intruders to go undetected. The amount of stolen goods is under investigation currently.
Attempted Theft – 31 May 2024, 0010, Eastlea, Harare: At a residential site an unknown number of intruders gained access to the property through unknown means. The owner called the control room and advised there were intruders on site. The reaction team deployed to the site and upon arrival it was discovered that the intruders fled from the scene. No items were reported stolen.
Manicaland
Theft– 03 May 2024, 1346hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site a truck driver attempted leave the premises with 154 x 50kg bags of cement loaded with a false invoice. The driver failed to identify where the bags of cement were being delivered to. The driver was escorted to the Mutare Police Station for further investigation.
Suspicious Person– 04 May 2024, 2224hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the CCTV operator confirmed to see a person near the booster station. The reaction team was sent with a police officer to the scene. On site no intruder was found and at this time no items were reported stolen.
Attempted Theft – 22 May 2024, 0137, Fern Valley, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site an unknown number of intruders broke into the booster pump station to steal fuel. The intruders fled from the scene due to the reaction team arriving at the site and they found 2 empty containers and a pipe that was used to syphon fuel. At this time no fuel was reported to be stolen.
Theft – 23 May 2024, 0633hrs, Target Area, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site while on patrol the guard noticed that 4 x 12v batteries were missing from the property. Investigations are underway to discover how the batteries went missing.
Attempted Theft – 25 May 2024, Time Unknown, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site the guard on site conducted exit searches and found two persons who had electric cables hidden in their bags.
Theft – 29 May 2024, Time Unknown, Rusape, Manicaland: At a residential site an unknown number of intruders broke into the house through unknown means and stole all the goods in the house. The homeowner was away during the time of the theft.
Attempted Theft – 31 May 2024, 0952, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site a suspect used a forged receipt to steal cases of Chibuku Super. The forgery was found as the suspect was leaving and the company pressed the panic button. The reaction team was advised and followed the vehicle to a fuel station where the suspect was apprehended and handed over to the police. The stolen goods were recovered and sent back to the company.
Mashonaland Central
Armed Robbery – 12 May 2024, 0200hrs, Glendale, Mashonaland Central: The Zimbabwe Republic Police are reporting that at the above time and date seven armed robbers attacked a residential site. The armed intruders wore face masks and armed with pistols and a hammer. They attacked the housekeeper and stole $700.00 USD that was on his person. They then broke into a safe that contained $15.600 USD cash, 2.3 grams of gold and a 25kg gas tank.
Mashonaland East
Theft – 16 May 2024, 0020hrs, Marondera, Mashonaland East: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. An intruder jumped over the wall using a bin that was located nearby. Proceeded to a window and forced open the burglar bars by cutting and bending them upwards. As the intruder made entry the indoor sensor was set off. The intruder managed to grab a monitor that was on the table in front of the window before making his escape.
Mashonaland West
No reports currently.
Masvingo
Theft– 03 May 2024, 0448hrs, CBD, Masvingo: At a business site a panic signal received, and the response team went to the site. Upon investigation the keyholder left their locker open and someone took advantage and stole a pair of shoes and an electric iron. No police report was made.
Attempted Theft – 16 May 2024, 2151hrs, CBD, Masvingo: At a business site an alarm activation was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. Upon arrival intruders were found to have escaped after the alarm was activated.
Matabeleland
No reports currently
Matabeleland North
Attempted Theft – 25 May 2024, Time Unknown, Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North: At a business site an intruder attempted to gain access but was apprehended by the reaction team. The intruder was drunk and told police that he wanted to buy food.
Theft – 30 May 2024, Time Unknown, Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North: At a business site the owner of the shop called stating that there was an unknown number of intruders broke into the premises during the night. Investigations are ongoing to identify entry points and items stolen.
Theft – 30 May 2024, Time Unknown, Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North: At a business site an unknown number of intruders broke into the shop and stole several electronics.
Midlands
Attempted Theft– 03 May 2024, Time Unknown, Gweru, Midlands: At a business site the guard on site along with 2 police officers and a dog handler arrested two suspects. The two suspects attempted to steal 100m of poly pipes at the premises.
Theft – 10 May 2024, Time Unknown, Gweru, Midlands: At a business site a man was arrested for attempting to use a fake receipt to steal 661 cases of Chibuku Super. The man was escorted to the local Police Station.
Attempted Theft – 12 May 2024, 1615hrs, Gweru, Midlands: At a business site the guards at the main boom gate observed two male adults stealing a perimeter fence. The guards managed to chase away the thieves and recovered the stolen fence 50m from where it was originally placed.
Armed Robbery – 25 May 2024, 0137hrs, Kwekwe, Midlands: At a business site a panic signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. Three intruders armed with machetes and 1 firearm gained entry by cutting razor wire at the back of the property. The guard noticed the armed intruders and pressed his panic button. The intruders forced the site manager into the cash office to disarm the alarm system and blasted open the safe. The intruders stole a large sum of cash from the safe and fled before the reaction team arrived on site.