Gate motor theft increases again

Every couple of years it appears that electric gate motor theft increases, as reports of stolen motors in major centres spike. Following a number of recent reports that the Reliance Insurance team has been made aware of, we looked into the latest trends in this household crime.

Several private security companies have reported a significant increase in the theft of gate motors and gate motor parts since the beginning of the year. In May, Fidelity ADT reported an increase in these thefts in Johannesburg and Pretoria, while Atlas Security noted a similar surge in the Nelson Mandela Bay area.

While in previous years thefts were attributed solely to gate motors being stolen to be resold as entire units, the trend now appears to be demand for motor components.

Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT, says gate motor parts are being sold on the black market. Motors are stripped of batteries and gearboxes specifically, which are then illegally sold.

Hattingh also notes that gate motors installed alongside palisade fencing are vulnerable to theft, as they can be easily accessed through the fence, as are those that are not properly secured with lockable, theft-resistant brackets.

If your insurance policy does cover gate motor theft (theft and vandalism may be covered, but not wear and tear), it will be under your homeowners' insurance, in the section 'fixture and fittings' or 'permanent structures'.

But to ensure compliance with your policy - and to be able to claim in the event of a theft incident - you need to ensure your motor is correctly safeguarded.

To do this:

• Ensure the fencing around your gate motor is solid (like wooden fencing) or the motor is placed behind a wall and not in front of open or accessible fencing.
• Secure the motor with an anti-theft bracket or steel cage.
• Secure gate motor batteries within locked, tamper-proof housings (galvanised metal is better than plastic).
• Ensure that your electric gate can't easily be lifted off its rails - secure it with a metal bracket at the top of the gate.
• Put motion-sensor lights or a CCTV camera linked to your security system above your gate and motor.
• Install an alarm on the gate and gate motor to alert you to tampering. This can be a siren only or linked to your security company.

In the event you have to claim for theft of a gate motor or stolen parts, first report the incident to your nearest police station to get a case number, and then contact your insurer to see if you're able to claim.