Crime Report September 2024 | Safeguard Security Zimbabwe

OVERVIEW

Criminal incidents have increased 20.41% since August.
28% of all incidents targeted residential premises. This is slightly up from Aug.
Most criminal activity reported is between 1900 – 0400hrs.
Weak perimeters are the primary concern, and properties with security systems not activated or maintained.
Most clients who have experienced loss of property but utilized a combination of layers (alarm and response systems) have seen minimal loss of property.
Armed robberies have remained the same. Police have reported the arrest of several people involved in armed robberies.
33 incidents resulted in no loss of property while 26 incidents reported a loss. Of the 26 incidents reported only a few incidents reported a major loss of property.
The use of firearms remains a constant around those incidents targeting cash.

MODUS OPERANDI/METHOD OF EXECUTION AND TARGETED ITEMS

HIGH RISK SITUATIONS

ZIMSTAT 2^nd QUARTER CRIME STATS

Crime Rate by Province – 1st Quarter 2024 & 2nd Quarter 2024 per 100,000 Population.

CRIME STATS

MONTHLY BREAKDOWN

TOWN/SUBURB BREAKDOWN

TOWN/SUBURB BREAKDOWN (CONT.)

OUTLOOK

Crime nationwide had decreased in the 2nd quarter but has increased in the past month amongst Safeguard Clients. The ZWG rate continues to run as the interbank rate drastically changed at the end of September to combat this. This means that those who earn a ZWG wage and paid in the pervious interbank rate will see their buying power reduced as food and non-alcoholic drinks increased in price by 10.1% according to the consumer price index posted by Zimstat.co.zw.

GENERAL ADVISORY

While crime has increased those that use their security systems suffer less loss. Test your alarm systems weekly and schedule any maintenance or upgrades with our teams before the Christmas holiday season. Install Xpanda security gates on any large windows or doors to provide a layer of physical security. This coupled with magnetic sensors on doors and windows (Linked to a rapid response system) provide a simple cost effective upgrade that has proven to detect and deter intruders. If you have an electrical fence or yard motion sensor, ensure they are free from brush as this will cause false alarms. Those that have utilized the above advice and that had an audible alarm system seen intruders flee from site when pressing their panic button or from their alarm being triggered.

Sign up for the SAFEGUARD APP, follow on Facebook, and make sure we have your email address for security alerts. When going on holiday please let us know so we can put a note onto your account for reaction purposes.

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). or speak to your local Safeguard manager for advice on site. Please see more information relating to crime statistics below.

PROVINCE BREAKDOWN OF CRIME

Bulawayo

Theft – 01 SEP 2024, Time Unknown, Kelvin West, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown number of intruders cut the razor wire and made their way to the roof of the building. The intruders removed a panel of the asbestos sheeting to gain access to the building. Once inside the intruders stole cutting torches, gauges, gas cylinders, and pipes. The incident was discovered by guard conducting patrols in the morning and found the razor wire cut.

Robbery – 06 Sep 2024, 2100hrs, Belmont, Bulawayo: While on his way to work a guard was approached by an unknown number of suspects who demanded that he hand over his pack containing his uniform.

Attempted Theft – 07 Sep 2024, 0700hrs, CBD, Bulawayo: At a business site the guard on site noticed a suspect attempting to break into a vehicle that was within the site. The suspect attempted to flee but was caught and taken to the ZRP Station.

Attempted Theft – 10 Sep 2024, 2045hrs, CBD, Bulawayo: At a business site the guard on site arrested a person attempting to take beer that was not purchased by walking by the tills. The person was taken to ZRP central.

Theft – 14 Sep 2024, 1206hrs, CBD, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown number of intruders gained entrance to the premises by jumping over the palisade fence. Once inside the intruders went into the offices and stole alcohol.

Theft – 15 Sep 2024, 1206hrs, CBD, Bulawayo: At a business site an unknown number of intruders gained entrance to the premises by jumping over the palisade fence. Once inside the intruders stole various types of liquor.

Suspicious Person – 18 Sep 2024, 0130hrs, CBD, Bulawayo: At a business site the guard on site requested the response team at the site. The guard observed a suspicious person wondering up and down parked cars on the road. As the reaction team arrived the suspicious person quickly fled from the area.

Attempted Theft – 20 Sep 2024, 0422, Hillside, Bulawayo: At a residential site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. An unknown number of intruders gained access to the premises through unknown means. The intruders broke the door frame and opened the door, but failed to enter as there was an Xpanda gate. The alarm was triggered by the door opening and the intruders fled from the site. No property was reported stolen.

Attempted Theft – 20 Sep 2024, 0342, Ilanda, Bulawayo: At a residential site an unknown number of intruders cut the razor wire and gained access to the premises. While they were cutting the burglar bars to the lounge window the intruders were disturbed and fled from the site. No property was reported stolen.

Harare

Theft – 01 SEP 2024, 2145hrs, Belgravia, Harare: At a business site an unknown number of intruders forced open the main entrance to the building. Once inside they vandalized 7 other doors while searching the building. The intruders stole two laptops and USD cash that was located inside of a cabinet.

Armed Robbery – 01 SEP 2024, 2300hrs, Budiriro, Harare: At a business site eight intruders forced open the main entrance door to gain access to the building. It is reported that the intruders had weapons, but at this time it is unclear what those weapons were. The intruders quickly made their way to where the safe was located and blasted it open. An undisclosed amount of USD cash was taken from the safe.

Suspicious Vehicle – 03 Sep 2024, 2345hrs, Lewisam, Harare: At a business site the guard on site reported seeing a car parked just outside the gate. The response team arrived on site and ascertained that the vehicle was broken down.

Theft – 08 Sep 2024, 0800hrs, Greendale, Harare: At a residential site an unknown number of intruders cut the razor wire and 4 strands of the electrical fence to gain entry onto the property. The homeowners left open a window due to it being under repair and the intruders took advantage of this. Once inside the intruders stole solar batteries, car batteries, power banks, USD cash, and alcohol. The house alarm was not armed at the time of entry.

Theft – 08 Sep 2024, 0224hrs, Alexandra Park, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received and the response team deployed to the site. On arrival the response team witnessed a suspect fleeing from the premises carry a satchel. The response team also noticed a suspicious vehicle that was parked nearby but left the area once the response team arrived. The intruders forced open a french door of a shop that sells shoes. It is unknown at this time what was stolen.

Theft – 08 Sep 2024, 0224hrs, Mount Pleasant, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received and the response team deployed to the site. The response team noticed the main entrance door was tampered with and propped open with a fire extinguisher. An unknown number of intruders forced their way into the building and took the cashbox. It is unknown at this time if any other items were stolen, but it was reported that the cash box was empty.

Theft – 09 Sep 2024, 0840hrs, Hatcliff, Harare: At a business site a guard on site pressed the panic button after witnessing a suspect steal a handbag. The suspect was taken to Borrowdale police station.

Assault – 09 Sep 2024, 1846hrs, Colray, Harare: At a residential site an unknown person was found sleeping outside of the gate. The guard on site requested the person vacate from the area and went back to the post. The guard then heard a commotion outside and the person who was sleeping started to attack a homeowner by biting him on the neck. The guard went to assist the homeowner and sustained an injury on his left hand and received medical attention. The guard then requested the response team and upon hearing the call for backup the suspicious person fled from the site.

Attempted theft – 11 Sep 2024, 2354hrs, Milton Park, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. An unknown number of intruders entered the premises through unknown means. While on the premises they located the CCTV cameras and twisted them upwards to avoid detection. When they attempted to break into the building the alarm system activated, and the intruders fled from the scene. When the response team arrived, they discovered one of the cameras was removed and thrown into a nearby flower bed. No property was reported stolen.

Armed Robbery – 13 Sep 2024, 0311hrs, Logan Park, Harare: At a business site ten intruders carrying two pistols attacked the guard on site and handcuffed him. Two of the intruders who had the pistols stood watch over the guard. In fear for the guard’s life the staff unlocked the door allowing intruders entry into the offices. The other intruders found where the safe was located and blasted it open stealing the large sum of USD cash inside. The intruders also broke into an oil cage and stole 2 x 5 litres of oil.

Suspicious Vehicle – 14 Sep 2024, 0125hrs, Tynwald, Harare: At a residential site an alarm signal was received, and the response team went to the site. The homeowner called stating that their alarm was triggered, and they noticed a vehicle parked in front of their gate. When the response vehicle arrived, the vehicle had already departed. The response team searched the property and found no signs of theft. The case was reported to the Avondale police station.

Attempted Theft – 15 Sep 2024, 0038hrs, Alexandra Park, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the response team deployed to site. The response team searched the site and found the main entrance screen door and french doors had been broken. The homeowner stated that they could not find any items stolen.

Theft – 15 Sep 2024, 0153hrs, Belgravia, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the response team deployed to site. An unknown number of intruders forced open the screen door with a crowbar and went to the admin office. The intruders stole 2 cash boxes containing USD cash and a laptop.

Armed Robbery – 17 Sep 2024, 2352hrs, Chisipiti, Harare: At a business site five intruders, one was reported to have a firearm, made their way into the premises. The intruders tied up the guard and two staff members at the back of the property. While attempting to break into the cottages on site one of the staff members was able to send a text message requesting help. The response team deployed to the site and on arrival were met at the gate by two persons in coats claiming to be private guards. When the response team jumped over the gate the two persons were nowhere to be seen. Later identified that the two persons were a part of the five intruders. As the response team patrolled the property, they found the staff members and guard tied up. After further investigation they were unable to locate the five intruders and discovered that no property was stolen due to the early arrival of the reaction team.

Suspicious Person – 17 Sep 2024, 2229hrs, Belgravia, Harare: At a residential site the guard on site requested the response team at the site. The guard witnessed a suspicious person standing on top of the durawall whilst talking to persons on the outside. When confronted by the guard the suspicious person jumped outside of the wall and fled from the site. The response team arrived and checked the property for intruders and found all in order. The response team stayed on site for half an hour before departing.

Attempted Theft – 19 Sep 2024, 0855hrs, Avonlea, Harare: At a residential site a panic signal was received, and the response team deployed to the site. The caretaker called the homeowner requesting response team at their address as an unknown number of intruders were attempting to force open their doors. The intruders fled from the site upon arrival of the response team. The response team found one lock and chain was cut from a container on site. No property was reported stolen.

Smash and Grab – 18 Sep 2024, 2035hrs, Highlands, Harare: At a business site parking lot two vehicles were broken into. An unknown number of suspects smashed the back windows of both vehicles to find goods. Both vehicles were Toyota Hilux models. One vehicle owner reported that no items were stolen. The other owner reported that a laptop, diary, and car keys were stolen from the vehicle. This incident was reported to ZRP Highlands police station.

Suspicious Person – 19 Sep 2024, 0142hrs, Chitungwiza, Harare: At a residential site the guard on site noticed suspicious persons on the premises. Upon approaching the persons, it was discovered that they were trespassers who used the property as a shortcut. The unknown individuals left the property and guard remained on alert for the duration of the night. Control room was advised and remained alert, and the reaction team was on standby.

Theft – 19 Sep 2024, 0626hrs, Workington, Harare: At a business site the guard on duty reported that 6 x truck batteries were missing from the site. An investigation is underway to determine if this was an internal or external theft.

Attempted Theft – 20 Sep 2024, 0328hrs, Marlborough, Harare: At a residential site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. The homeowner reported seeing two intruders attempting to steal the gate motor. The intruders broke the cage around the motor and the homeowner fired two warning shots which caused the intruders to flee from the scene. The reaction team searched the property and verified that the intruders were no longer on site. No property was reported stolen.

Attempted Theft – 20 Sep 2024, 0426hrs, Prospect, Harare: At a residential site a panic signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. An unknown number of intruders gained access to the premises through unknown means. They then proceeded to remove the screen door and opening the main door through unknown means. It is currently reported that no property was stolen.

Attempted Theft – 21 Sep 2024, 2215hrs, Workington, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. An unknown number of intruders broke two panels of durawall to gain access to the property. The intruders tampered with the main entrance door but failed to make entry. The reaction team arrived on site and found the damage and noted that there was no property stolen. After the intruders failed to enter the building, they went to the neighbouring property and broke into their premises.

Attempted Theft – 22 Sep 2024, 0305hrs, Workington, Harare: At a business site a panic signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. While the guards on site were conducting patrols an unknown number of intruders jumped into the property and were syphoning diesel fuel from a delivery truck parked on the property. The guards patrolled to near the trucks and spotted the intruders chasing them off the property and recovering the fuel that was being stolen.

Theft – 21 Sep 2024, Time Unknown, Glen Lorne, Harare: At a residential site the guard on site reported that he discovered that about 100 meters of armoured cable was stolen during the night.

Suspicious Person – 21 Sep 2024, Time Unknown, Workington, Harare: At a business site an area checker reported that two individuals were arrested for fighting along the railway near the property durawall. The two individuals were accusing others over a theft of a battery and were escorted to the ZRP Mbare police station by the reaction team.

Suspicious Person – 23 Sep 2024, 2354hrs, Belvedere South, Harare: At a residential site the homeowner phoned requesting a reaction team as there were suspected intruders on the roof. The reaction team deployed and checked the roof and found no intruders. The police were escorted to the site and checked inside of the roof and found no intruders on site.

Theft – 24 Sep 2024, 0227hrs, Ruwa, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the response team deployed to the site. On arrival the reaction team noticed the main gate was wide open and requested back from the Quick Reaction Force and police. Once the QRF and police arrived, they did a patrol of the area and met with two private guards on site. Five intruders used catapults to fire stones at the private guards. The private guards went into hiding and the intruders made their way to trucks that were parked on the property and stole tents that were stored within. An Isuzu car drove into the premises and the intruders put the stolen items into the vehicle and fled from the premises leaving the gate open.

Armed Robbery – 25 Sep 2024, 1026hrs, Belvedere South, Harare: At a residential site a panic alarm was received and the reaction team deployed to the site. On arrival the team checked the premises and confirmed there were no intruders on the property. The homeowner on site stated that her grandson (juvenile) hear noise coming from the dining room and upon investigating found two intruders armed with a knife. The intruders took the juvenile as a hostage and demanded the CCTV password which he gave them. While the intruders were stealing items into a plastic bag and deleting CCTV footage the juvenile pressed the panic button that was located inside of his pants pocket. This caused the intruders to flee from the site leaving behind all the stolen items. There are no reported injuries or items stolen.

Attempted Theft – 25 Sep 2024, 0315hrs, Arlington, Harare: At a business site the guard on site arrested another guard who was found stealing welding rods from the business. The guard was taken to the police station.

Attempted Theft – 25 Sep 2024, 2317hrs, Ardbennie, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. An unknown number of intruders gained access to the premises through unknown means. The intruders set of the alarm system and fled from the site. No property was reported stolen.

Attempted Theft – 25 Sep 2024, Time Unknown, Belvedere, Harare: At a residential site an unknown number of intruders gained access to the property. The homeowner phoned stating that there was a break in at site and requested a team to come and check the property. It is unknown at this time if any property was stolen.

Attempted Theft – 26 Sep 2024, 0114hrs, Sunningdale, Harare: At a business site an alarm signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. Upon arrival the team noticed that a palisade bar was cut and bent backwards. An unknown number of intruders then cut the razor wire to gain access to the premises. It is suspected that the intruders wanted to steal fuel on site but was distributed by the sound of the alarm going off. The private guard that was posted showed himself after 45 minutes stating that he monitored the site from a distance.

Attempted Theft – 26 Sep 2024, 2304hrs, Msasa, Harare: At a residential site a panic signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. An unknown number of intruders removed the top durawall panel to gain access to the premises. The homeowner pressed the panic button upon seeing the intruders. The electrical fence was nonfunctioning at the time and was unable to detect the intruders. When the panic button was pressed the alarm sounded and the intruders fled from the site. No property was reported stolen.

Theft – 26 Sep 2024, Time Unknown, Mbudzi, Harare: At a business site the guard on site reported that their guard monitoring device was stolen while it was charging during their patrol. The team checked the location of the device and found that it was in the Mbudzi area. The team have gone with the police to attempt to recover the device.

Theft – 27 Sep 2024, 0548hrs, Southerton, Harare: At a business site a member of staff reported a break in at site. An unknown number of intruders used bolt cutters to gain access to the building. The intruders stole fire extinguishers, hose pipes, and work suits. The matter was reported to the company which has taken over handling of the incident.

Attempted Theft – 28 Sep 2024, 0115hrs, Msasa, Harare: At a business site a panic signal was received, and the reaction team deployed to the site. The guard on site while conducting patrols noticed two intruders who were inside of the premises. He immediately pressed the panic button which sounded the alarm, and the intruders fled from the site. No property was reported stolen.

Attempted Theft – 28 Sep 2024, 0115hrs, Msasa, Harare: At a business site a panic signal was received and the reaction team deployed to the site. The guard on duty discovered two intruders on site who fled upon seeing the guard. The intruders cut the electrical fence and jumped into the premises. One window was broken into, and the burglar bars were bent. No property was reported stolen at this time.

Theft – 29 Sep 2024, 2131hrs, Msasa, Harare: At a business site the owner requested a response team sent to their site as the caretaker witnessed thieves digging nearby stealing Zesa cables. On arrival of the response teams the unknown number of thieves fled from where they were digging. The thieves did manage to steal part of the Zesa cable however, they left their shovel and hacksaw.

Robbery – 30 Sep 2024, 2237hrs, Pomona, Harare: At a residential site the homeowner called requesting a reaction team to their site as a resident living at the premises reported they were just robbed. It was reported that the intruders were carrying metal pipes. The reaction team arrived on site while the quick reaction force collected the police. As the reaction team was scaling the wall to assist the resident, the resident untied himself and opened the gate for the team. The team confirmed that the intruders fled from the site. The resident was confronted by five intruders who had metal pipes and was tied up. The intruders stole USD cash, cloths, and groceries then fled from the site.

Manicaland

Attempted Theft – 09 Sep 2024, 1730hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site the guard on duty arrested a man who stole a magazine from the shop and was taken to the police station.

Attempted Theft – 10 Sep 2024, 1447hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site the guard on duty arrested a student who was found to have 5 litres of engine oil on his person attempting to leave the premises. The owner decided against taking the student to the police and let him off with a warning.

Attempted theft – 11 Sep 2024, 1840hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site the guard on site observed two intruders jump into the premises with four – twenty litre empty containers. The guard immediately requested for a response vehicle. When then response vehicle arrived, the intruders took notice and fled from the site. No property was reported stolen.

Attempted Theft – 13 Sep 2024, 0915hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At a residential place an alarm signal was received, and the response team deployed to the site. On arrival the response team noticed the intruders broke open the kitchen door and attempted to open the Xpanda Gate. The alarm was triggered by tampering with the gate and the intruders fled from the premises. No property was reported stolen.

Theft – 26 Sep 2024, 1300hrs, Mutare, Manicaland: At a business site an unknown number of intruders removed the palisade fence to gain access to the site. The intruders proceeded to where the generator was located and stole the 12v battery. The alarm system at the site was not working at the time of the incident.