MONTHLY OVERVIEW
- Crime is well up in Harare, and also up in Gweru and Bulawayo on (charts below)
- The main target of course is cash. The amounts held by homes and businesses are growing. As businesses are setting up in residential areas crime is now also much closer to home.
If you have cash you need to ensure that you have multiple layers of security and good insurance. There will be a loss almost certainly if you keep it without very strong systems in place to protect it. - Break ins have increased. More now reported through the roof, so look at access to the roof, and the protection of your alarm systems control and signaling units – these are often hidden away in top cupboards in residential areas – and so easily tampered with if coming in via the roof. All control equipment needs to be away from the ceiling, and protected by the alarm.
- More cases reported of smash and grab from vehicles especially in Highlands area. More reported recently as drivers are leaving events in the evening. Theft from unattended motor vehicles parked at events, at shops and schools also continues. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle or on display when driving.
- Fuel stations increasingly targeted for cash and usually firearms involved. Staff are at risk. Better protection of cash needed and possibly a review of the need to stay open at all in quieter areas.
- More internal theft reports at businesses. A continual check on systems, routines, and oversight needed.
MODUS OPERANDI/METHOD OF EXECUTION AND TARGETED ITEMS
MONTHLY PROVINCIAL BREAKDOWN
OUTLOOK
The ZRP have made several good arrests recently related to armed robbery, and hopefully some relief here for a period. The power cuts improve opportunities for crime (dark and security system failure where no sensible back up power), and we have the holidays ahead of us. Crime likely to rise in the months ahead.
Start to plan now for the holidays.
- Download the Safeguard App which gives you panic and assistance countrywide and allows you to test your alarm and signals yourself and cancel false alarms if you trigger them.
There is a quick YouTube video on how to use the app. For any assistance, please contact our Safeguard Application Administrator, Komborerayi, email; sos@safeguard.co.zw; cell 0772 986 800.
- Think about back up power for security systems – connect to inverter, replace faulty batteries.
- Check lighting and maybe invest in standalone solar lighting. Light is a good deterrent.
- Check on the general security and access to the property.
- Get your car serviced if travelling.
Thank you for using Safeguard.
The Safeguard Team
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.