South African homeowners have been warned of an increase in criminal activities targeting driveways, with thieves looking for items that are visible from the street and easy to access.
Most notably, criminals are targeting gate motors, which are often stolen in the early hours of the morning.
Security companies have warned about an increase in criminal activities heading into summer, as the warmer weather typically leads to more crimes at night and early morning.
The managing director of Beagle Watch, Andre Aiton, said that motor gate theft is “absolutely out of control” and that multiple syndicates were operating across Gauteng.
He noted that most of these crimes occurred in suburbs across northern Johannesburg and that gate motors are a popular target because they are easy to steal.
“A single crowbar under the base plate and the entire motor can be removed in seconds,” explained Aiton.
Sergeant Takalani Sibiya of Linden Police Station confirmed that there has been a noticeable uptick in gate motor thefts each week.
She said that six areas in particular – Malanshof, Fontainebleau, Blairgowrie, Linden, Windsor East and Windsor West – had recorded the highest number of incidents.
Sibiya explained that criminals will often scout their targets beforehand, observing the house during the day before returning to steal the gate motor at night.
The thieves will even use high-performance vehicles as getaway cars, she added.
Fidelity Services Group Head of Marketing and Communications, Charnel Hattingh, recommended that homeowners check their security systems to ensure that everything is in working order.
This includes testing alarms, checking cameras and motion sensors, inspecting electric fences, and trimming vegetation that blocks visibility.
“Security needs to evolve with the changing seasons and the environment around your home,” Hattingh said.
“Taking the time to check your security system now can help identify potential vulnerabilities before they become a problem.”
Residential crime in South Africa
The most recent crime statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS) show that residential crime has declined over the last year.
Burglaries at residential premises dropped 7.5% to 128,498 cases during the 2025-2026 financial year, compared to 138,874 the previous year. Similarly, residential robbery fell by 11.5% from 23,105 to 20,447 cases.
However, security experts have warned that criminals are still relying on simple tactics to test properties and create opportunities for break-ins.
One common method involves thieves deliberately tripping circuit breakers in accessible municipal or outdoor distribution boards.
They also disrupt circuit lines and damage electric-fence insulators to gauge the response time of armed security services.
If there is no response, criminals may see the property as an easier target, reported BusinessTech.
Criminals will also destroy, disrupt, or disconnect wall lights and floodlights to create dark spaces around doors, windows, and gates, making it easier to move unseen.
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