NOVEMBER 2021 OVERVIEW
- Crime incidents reported to Safeguard increased by 73% between October and November 2021, with an increase in the number of incidents where firearms were used in robberies (from 2 incidents last month to 5 incidents this month).
- Greendale and Greystone Park in Harare were the most vulnerable to violent crime in the past month. In Greystone Park, 2 armed robberies were reported and there was an incident of shots fired.
- Violence remains a cause for concern with incidents of assault and shots fired reported during robberies.
- Non-violent crimes (break in and theft) also doubled in the past month.
- Though one incident was reported to Safeguard, an increase in smash and grab incidents have been reported and confirmed by the police at the Second Street and Churchill Avenue (Belgravia) intersection. Another high-risk intersection is Whitwell Road and Borrowdale Road.
- Artisanal miners were increasingly targeted in the past month according to the police. Other individuals and businesses involved in the gold trade should also be vigilant as gold was targeted during a robbery at a Chinhoyi mine in the past month. In October 2021, a gold trader was also targeted when robbers attacked his supermarket.
- Given the incidents received by Safeguard, it is clear that a number of theft incidents reported in the past month were either committed by internal employees or with their aid.
- In the past month, criminals increasingly targeted alarm sensors and went as far as putting face masks on top of sensors. Before arming the alarm, residents are urged to examine their sensors and ensure that nothing is obstructing them so that they work properly.
- Windows and kitchen doors were popular access points in the past month.
NATIONWIDE AND HARARE CRIME STATS
CRIME BREAKDOWN BY MONTH
Security Advice
- Ensure to arm your alarm as early as possible.
- Check that nothing is obstructing your sensors before arming your alarm.
- Always keep your gates locked even when you’re entertaining guests. Festivities often draw criminals’ attraction so only open the gate when your visitor has arrived.
- Avoid driving during curfew hours as this makes you are more likely to be targeted by criminals posing as police officers.
- There might be an increase in loitering in residential areas as people host festivities in their homes. Press your panic button if you hear suspicious noises outside your gate or house.
- Lock your doors and close your windows as early as possible, preferably by 18:00.
- Do not leave tools lying around in your yard as they can be stolen or used as weapons against you.
- Ensure that you hire trustworthy individuals and ensure that there are systems in place to minimize internal theft. For example, conducting searches at exits and installing cameras in warehouses, factories, and around the perimeter.
- Do not unnecessarily disclose your travel plans and ensure that all high-risk areas are locked and covered by an alarm.
Outlook
Additionally, travel is riskier during this time due to an increase in road traffic accidents and vehicle smash and grabs. Shopping centres often report an increase in crime as spending often increases during this time. Motorists should park their vehicles in safe parking lots and ensure that no belongings are left on the car seats. Motorists should also be wary of vehicles following them from shopping centres, restaurants etc.
For a walkthrough of your security at home or business, please do not hesitate to give Safeguard a call before you go away for the holidays. Your safety is our priority.
Thank you for using Safeguard.
NOVEMBER 2021 INCIDENT SUMMARIES
HARARE
Armed Robbery
5 November 2021, 03:02, Industrial Site, Whites Way, Msasa: A panic signal was received and a team was dispatched. The team
arrived four minutes later at 03:06. They didn’t find anyone at the site and everything appeared in order. The team heard someone call for help in the next-door contract. A guard had been tied up and held hostage by intruders since 21:00. Three intruders had entered the yard, one armed with a gun, handcuffed the guard with his own handcuffs, and took his radio, cellphone, baton stick, and gate keys. One intruder watched over the guard whilst the other two entered the building. They attempted to open four safes with grinders but failed. There is no alarm coverage in the building where the intruders were. Nothing was stolen. The intruders fled when they saw the reaction team approaching the next door contract.
17 November 2021, 23:32, Residential Site, Adylinn Road, Westgate: Seven intruders armed with four pistols forced their way into the house after breaking through the front sliding door. The intruders started to assault a female resident whilst they threatened the male resident with pistols. The intruders took 20 expensive handbags, an Ipad, a laptop, a DVR, and a white BMW 5 series with no registration plates.
19 November 2021, 22:25, Travel and Tourism, Frank Johnson, Eastlea: Two suspects armed with a pistol arrived on-site pretending to be customers. The suspects held up the receptionist and demanded cash from the site. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of money from the cash office and fled the scene. The receptionist managed to press the panic button after the suspects had left.
25 November 2021, 22:18, Residential Site, Guys Cliff, Greystone Park: Two response teams were dispatched after an alarm signal was received from the site. When the teams arrived, they were informed by a neighbour that there was an armed robbery in progress at a neighbouring site. The response teams approached the site and saw three armed robbers armed with AK-47 firearms standing at the gate. One of the robbers cocked his gun and told the teams to leave the premises. One team retreated and monitored the premise from a safe distance whilst the second team went to collect an armed responder. When the second team returned, they were informed that the robbers had fled the scene. One of the residents at the site exited the premise and informed the team that eight robbers, three with AK-47s and five with pistols forced open the kitchen door before breaking into the main bedroom. The robbers demanded cash before restraining the residents. The robbers managed to steal money in Rand currency, three cellphones, and three laptops before fleeing the scene.
Robbery
02 November 2021, 19:15, Residential Site, Stratford Drive, Greystone Park: Seven intruders armed with catapults entered the premise through a broken durawall panel. Two intruders entered an open kitchen door and encountered one of the residents. The intruders attacked the resident and tried to tie her up. The resident fought back using the screen gate to block her attackers before eventually screaming causing the intruders to flee the scene. The intruders fled the scene with a handbag that had some money in it. The response team was dispatched to the site after one of the neighbours reported an armed robbery on site. The intruders fled the scene as the response team and police arrived on site. PJM security also responded to the incident.
13 November 2021, 19:30, Residential Site, Eastern Road, Greendale: Three intruders wearing masks covered the sensors with face masks before entering the house through an unlocked kitchen door. The intruders held up the complainants and struck one of them with a shovel at the back of the head. The intruders removed an undisclosed amount of money, jewelry, cellphones, bank cards, and two passports before locking the complainants in an office. The intruders also took the panic button. The sensors picked up the intruders as the intruders were exiting the premise and the response team was dispatched to the site.
Break-in
02 November 2021, 03:37, Residential Site, Collins Avenue, Chisipite: An unknown number of intruders attempted to remove the gate sensor causing the alarm to activate. The response team was dispatched to the site and upon arrival, it was discovered that the intruders had already fled the scene. No losses were reported.
02 November 2021, 00:44, Base Station, Cheviot Avenue, Waterfalls: An alarm was activated at 00:44, and a response team was dispatched. Upon arrival, a positive break-in was reported. Intruders cut the outside burglar bar and the razor wire on the southern side of the booster. Nothing appeared stolen as there were no spillages on the ground. The intruders left pliers in the booster.
04 November 2021, 22:48, Commercial Site, Whites Way, Msasa: An alarm signal was received at 22:48 and our team arrived eight minutes later at 22:56. Two perimeter palisade bars were vandalised. The building itself appeared intact. The client could not respond due to curfew.
05 November 2021, 05:27, Retail Site, Julius Nyerere Way, City Centre: An alarm activated on-site and the response team was dispatched. Upon arrival, it was discovered that intruders had attempted to access the premises by removing the iron sheets above the receiving bay. It is suspected that the intruders fled the scene when the alarm activated. No losses were reported.
09 November 2021, 03:00, Residential Site, Harare Drive, Greystone Park: The gate alarm sounded and the client pressed the panic button as the alarm is not radio linked. The response team was dispatched and upon arrival, it was discovered that intruders had cut the electric fence. The electric fence did not have power and no alarm activation was received. The response team discovered that the gate motor had been tampered with. No losses were reported.
13 November 2021, 01:43, Residential Site, Marley Drive, Kambanji: The response team was dispatched to the site after an unknown number of intruders broke a storeroom window causing the alarm to activate. The intruders fled the scene empty-handed.
13 November 2021, 02:32, Religious Centre, Enterprise Road, Highlands: The caretaker pressed the panic button after spotting two intruders fleeing the premises. The response team was dispatched and upon arrival, it was discovered that two laptops had been stolen from one of the offices. The offices do not have an installed alarm system.
13 November 2021, 03:49, Residential Site, Rhodesville Avenue, Greendale: The alarm activated after intruders attempted to remove the gate sensor. The response team was dispatched; no losses were reported.
14 November 2021, 00:44, Residential Site, Philadelphia: A resident raised alarm after an unknown number of armed intruders attempted to break into the residence. The neighbourhood security team was dispatched and the intruders fled the scene.
15 November 2021, 03:02, Base Station, Granta Avenue, Vainona: An alert guard called the control room requesting assistance after he saw two intruders walking towards a base station. The response team was dispatched and upon arrival, it was discovered that the two had damaged a durawall panel before forcing open a cabinet. It is suspected that batteries were taken from the site.
15 November 2021, 04:25, Commercial Site, Dagenham Road, Willowvale: A phone call was received requesting a response as a break-in was reported on site. Upon arrival, the team met the key holder who dismissed the response team and said she would deal with the security manager.
17 November 2021, 13:25, Base Station, Circle Close, Borrowdale: A technician reported that intruders forced open the generator door and removed a battery from the site.
21 November 2021, 23:57, Base Station, Belgravia: The response team was dispatched to the site after the alarm was activated. Upon arrival, the team discovered that the private guard who was manning the site was not at his post. The guard later returned and informed the team that he ran away and alerted another nearby guard after he heard intruders breaking through onto the site. After conducting checks, it was discovered that nothing had been stolen, only the fence was broken.
23 November 2021, 22:44, Residential Site, Josiah Chinamano, Avenues: A client pressed the panic button after he noticed that his neighbour’s windows were open, and the response team was dispatched. Upon arrival, the client reported that his neighbour was out of the country and he didn’t know who had opened the windows. The team could not confirm any losses.
24 November 2021, 01:54, Residential Site, Boston Avenue, Greendale: The response team was dispatched after an alarm activation was received from the site. Upon arrival, the team discovered that an unknown number of intruders had cut the electric fence strands. No losses were reported from the site.
24 November 2021, 23:58, Residential Site, Eastern Road, Mandara: An alarm signal was received and the response team was dispatched to the site. Upon arrival, it was discovered that intruders had opened the toilet and kitchen windows. No losses were reported and the client declined police involvement.
25 November 2021, 02:35, Residential Site, Lomagundi Road, Avondale: An alarm signal was received and the response team was dispatched to the site. Upon arrival, it was discovered that intruders had opened a small window but nothing had been removed from the premise.
27 November 2021, 01:14, Residential Site, Leander Road, Greendale: An alarm signal was received and a team was dispatched. The team met the client who had his kitchen window forced open for the third time in a week by intruders. Nothing was stolen and police attended the scene. The Client was advised to install outside beams and burglar bars.
27 November 2021, 07:26, Base Station, Mathew Rusike, Epworth: An alarm signal was received and a response team was dispatched. Upon arrival, the team noticed that two cameras were covered by cloth. Two palisade bars by the generator were destroyed. Fuel spillages were seen on the ground and it was confirmed that fuel was stolen. The client was recommended to have a static guard on-site, use strong material for the palisade bars and put sensors around the generator cage.
30 November 2021, 01:28, Residential Site, Wretham Road, Ashbrittle: An alarm signal was received and a response team was dispatched. Intruders cut three strands of the fence bur ran away when the alarm sounded.
Suspicious Activity
02 November 2021, 21:40, Public Location, Ashton Road, Belgravia: The Safeguard mobile patrol team apprehended a suspect who was found loitering in the area.
03 November 2021, 00:17, Public Location, College Road and Mount Pleasant Drive, Alexandra Park: The Safeguard mobile patrol team apprehended two (2) individuals after they were loitering in the area after curfew.
06 November 2021, 00:02, Public Location, Hodson and Swan Drive, Alexandra Park: Three individuals were apprehended by the Safeguard mobile patrol response team after they were found loitering after curfew.
07 November 2021, 00:39, Public Location, College and Maxwell Road, Alexandra Park: The Safeguard mobile patrol team apprehended an individual for loitering in the area after curfew. The individual, who reportedly stays in Mbare was handed over into police custody.
10 November 2021, 01:20, Residential Site, Ridgeway South, Lewisam: An alert guard reported that he had found a pair of track bottoms and a water bottle under a tree outside the yard. The response team was dispatched but no one was found on site.
17 November 2021, 22:58, Public Location, Normandy Road, Belgravia: A patrolling team apprehended an individual who was loitering in the area after curfew.
18 November 2021, Public Location, Churchill Avenue, Alexandra Park: A patrolling team apprehended an individual who was loitering in the area after curfew.
19 November 2021, 22:00, Residential Site, Wooton Road, Greystone Park: A resident alerted the neighbourhood watch security team that a Honda Fit with registration number AFL 5293 was following him. An alert guard managed to quickly open the boom gate for the resident and the suspicious vehicle made a U-turn and drove away.
Theft
04 November 2021, 00:15, Industrial Site, Ventersburg, Sunway City: A phone call was received reporting intruders and a response team was dispatched and arrived at 00:30. The team discovered that intruders cut all 7 strands of the electric fence as well as razor wire to gain entry. An unknown number of intruders stole two batteries from a truck parked inside the yard. There is no alarm sensor where the truck is parked. The case was reported to Mabvuku Police.
04 November 2021, 06:30, Commercial Site, Sam Nujoma, Belgravia: An unknown number of intruders stole a bicycle from the site. No signs of forced entry were reported.
08 November 2021, 06:30, Industrial Site, Auckland Road, Southerton: Thirty-four aluminium pans were stolen from the site. Investigations suggest that the pans were stolen by an employee.
01 November 2021, Unknown Time, Commercial Site, Seke Road, Graniteside: Seventy-four aluminium poles were stolen from the site. The theft was discovered during stock take.
09 November 2021, 05:50, Residential Site, Westminster Road, Sentosa: A two plate stove was stolen from the cottage. There were no signs of forced entry. A ladder was found by the durawall.
15 November 2021, 00:00, Residential Site, Ridgeway South and Enterprise Road, Highlands: An unknown number of intruders removed electricity cables from the site and fled the scene.
15 November 2021, Unknown time, Industrial Site, Telford Road, Graniteside: An employee reported that a uniform and shoes had been stolen from a locker on-site.
16 November 2021, 04:02, Residential Site, Scripps Road, Hogerty Hill: The client called the control room and reported that some patrol guards had spotted some electricity cable thieves. The response team was dispatched and upon arrival, the team searched the area with the patrol guards. Both teams managed to arrest a suspect who was driving a truck and transporting the stolen cables.
19 November 2021, 12:00, Retail Site, Chitungwiza Town Centre: A couple was arrested after they stole a significant amount of groceries from the site. An alert guard discovered the theft and the groceries were recovered at the couples’ residence.
24 November 2021, Unknown time, Industrial Site, Lyton Road, Southerton: An employee reported that an undisclosed amount of money had been stolen from one of the employee’s bags.
25 November 2021, Unknown time, Industrial Site, Harare South: An employee was caught on camera stealing stock feed from the site. The employee had stolen 10x50kg bags at the time the incident was discovered.
26 November 2021, 11:45, Commercial Site, Commercial Site, King George Road, Avondale: An employee reported that a bicycle was stolen from the site.
27 November 2021, 23:30, Retail Site, Zengeza: A private guard was apprehended after he stole 40litres of paint from the premise.
28 November 2021, Unknown Time, Industrial Site, Barking Road, Willowvale: Three tail lights and fuel were stolen from vehicles parked on site. The matter was reported to ZRP Southerton.
28 November 2021, 00:00, Industrial Site, Mukaka Road, Chitungwiza: The patrolling response team apprehended two individuals after they were found with 12x50kg of maize by the roadside. The two had stolen the maize from their employer and were handed over to the Makoni Police Station after being apprehended.
Intrusion
17 November 2021, 23:18. Residential Site, Adylinn Road, Westgate: The alarm activated on-site and the client called the control room requesting a response team as he suspected intruders in his yard. It was later discovered that the intruder was actually a neighbour who was fleeing intruders who had jumped into his premises so they could go rob his other neighbour.
Assault
18 November 2021, 22:20, Residential Site, Boscobel East, Highlands: The control room received a call from a resident who is a non-client. The resident reported that her private guard had been attacked by unknown assailants. The Safeguard response team was dispatched and upon arrival, they discovered that the private guard had been attacked with a catapult. The response team assisted with the search for the assailants and picked up the police from Highlands Police Station. The guard was also taken to a clinic as he was in pain from the injuries sustained. The resident was very happy with Safeguard’s assistance.
Smash and Grab
10 November 2021, 19:44, Public Location, Churchill and Second Street, Belgravia: The response team was dispatched to the client site after a report was received that the client’s passenger window had been smashed at the above location. The response team was dispatched as the client required safe escort to her residence in Avondale as she suspected she was being followed.
Shots Fired
12 November 2021,02:00, Residential Area, Greystone Park: One gunshot was fired in the area but neighbourhood watch guards
and residents could not confirm who fired the shot and why.
BULAWAYO
Armed Robbery
23 November 2021, 04:00, Commercial Site, Matopos: During his night shift, the on-duty guard saw a strange light near the solar panels. Upon investigating he found that there five intruders stealing the solar panels. One of the five intruders, armed with a gun, approached the guard, took his radio and cellphone and kept him away from the scene whilst the other four intruders stole eight solar panels and batteries. The guard contacted control room once the intruders left the scene.
Break-in
10 November 2021, 08:30, Commercial Site, Luton Street, Belmont: A phone call was received reporting a break in at the site. Intruders gained entry by unscrewing the door. The client did not want police involvement. The alarm went off at 22:15 and no sign of break in was reported. The Client’s CCTV showed that the intruder was there around 02:00 however no alarm signal was received at that time. The alarm was installed and serviced by another service provider, the client was advised to follow through with them. The same site was broken into on 27 November, with the same Modus Operandi.
17 November 2021, 02:49, Residential Site, Lobengula West: A panic signal was received and a response team was dispatched. The team met the client who said she heard her glass windows break in the lounge which caused her to press the panic button. The intruders gained entry by cutting the gate chain in the next-door property and climbing over the durawall. The intruders fled when the alarm sounded. Nothing was stolen.
22 November 2021, Unknown Time, Commercial Site, George Silundika Street, City Centre: A call was received and a response team was sent. An unknown number of intruders gained entry by removing tiles from the roof and using a ladder. They destroyed the alarm system hence no signal was received. Nothing appeared to be stolen.
26 November 2021, 00:05, Commercial Site, Dunlop Road, Donnington: During patrols the guard on site saw two intruders hiding in the vegetable garden. A positive break-in was recorded, the back door was broken and the alarm system was vandalised. Nothing was reported stolen.
28 November 2021, 00:42, Commercial Site, Old Gwanda Road, Granite Park: An alarm activation was received and a response team was dispatched. A positive break-in was received. They vandalised the door on the northern side which triggered the alarm. The intruders fled empty-handed and nothing was reported stolen.
Intruder
21 November 2021, 05:30, Educational Site, Chelmsford Road, Selbourne Park: Guard on-site reported that intruders had cut the fence to enter the premise but were disturbed by the dog patrol and left the scene. Nothing was stolen.
Theft
03 November 2021, Unknown Time, Commercial Site, Luton Street, Belmont: A phone call was received and a reaction team was dispatched. There was no sign of forced entry however the client reported there had been a theft of protective clothing.
03 November 2021, 02:14, Residential Site, Herrick Road, Malindela: A panic signal was received and a response team was dispatched. The keyholder reported that an intruder jumped over the wall into the yard and stole a pair of takkies that were left hanging to dry near a window. The intruder also stole various pots. The client said they would make a police report in the morning.
16 November 2021, 09:00, Industrial Site, Steelworks Road, Steeldale: 200 litres of diesel was reported missing from the reserve tank of a truck. It is undetermined when exactly the fuel was stolen.
26 November 2021, 22:00, Hotel, J Nkomo Street, City Centre: A car was broken into and a tyre was stolen. The case was reported to the ZRP.
Suspicious Vehicle
03 November 2021, 06:03, Hotel, Khumalo: A stolen vehicle from South Africa was reported at a Hotel. A reaction vehicle was sent with Police Detectives. The stolen vehicle was recovered.
15 November 2021, 03:00, Residential Site, Gwanda Road, Woodlands: A guard raised to control room that a man was wanting to leave his car at the premises even though he was not a resident there. The matter was reported to the police who took over the case. The man was a suspected stock thief as he had suspicious meat in his car.
Assault
04 November 2021, Unknown time, Commercial Site, Empress Street, Belmont: Detail raised to control that another detail on site had been tied up and assaulted by four unknown assailants. The guard was taken to hospital and ZRP Donnington attended the scene. Nothing appeared stolen.
MATABELELAND NORTH
Theft
15 November 2021, Unknown time, Industrial Site, Beitbridge: A sanitiser stand and two old motorbike tyres were stolen from the back yard.
MANICALAND
Break-in
17 November 2021, 00:53, Commercial Site, Kariba Road, Muneni: An alarm signal was received and a response vehicle was dispatched. A durawall panel was broken and some electrical wires were cut. Nothing was reported stolen.
Theft
3 November 2021, 08:30, Commercial Site, Simon Mazorodze Road, City Centre: The fork lift operator noted that the storeroom was unlocked and several goods were reported stolen. The case was reported to Mutare Central Police.
Suspicious Vehicle
16 November 2021, 18:11, Hotel, Third Avenue, City Centre: A vehicle which had been involved in a theft was spotted in Mutare. Mutare Central Police was informed and arrested the suspects and took them in for questioning.