Safeguard recorded 55 incidents across Harare and its branches, up 31% from the previous month. Robberies were reported in Harare and other provinces with police confirming that there is a slight increase in robberies nationwide. In Harare, police arrested four suspects involved in the robbery and theft of vehicles in Kuwadzana, Mabelreign and surrounding areas (another quartet was also arrested for similar crimes in Bulawayo and Mutoko the previous month higlighting the prevalence of the crime). In Mazowe, one suspect was arrested following a robbery and sexual assault at an informal retail outlet. In Kadoma, an intruder was injured after a resident fought back during a robbery at a residence. Police also reported on the increase in highway robberies along the Harare - Masvingo highway with robbers targeting broken down vehicles and motorists that stop in isolated areas.
In Harare, non-violent crime stayed concentrated in Southerton and Graniteside with the theft of tents, vehicle batteries, copper piping and water valves increasing in the past month. Safeguard also recorded incidents of internal theft with arrests made after guards swiftly detected attempts to steal stock at manufacturing sites. Outside Harare, financial instutions were targeted in rural areas with a break in reported at a bank in Gutu, Masvingo highlighting the vulnerability of financial and retail outlets in rural areas and smaller town centres. In residential areas in Harare, Safeguard noted an increase in the theft of copper pipes and taps whilst the theft of signage and gate motors remained prevalent.
Overall, Southerton was the most affected suburb in Harare with six incidents. Wednesday nights were the riskiest window overall with nine. 21 travel and safety events were logged this period, including the tragic loss of 97 lives after a ferry capsized in Lake Kariba. Fatal road traffic accidents were also reported with at least 31 fatalities reported in the Masvingo region the past month.
A steady increase in crime is to be expected especially in the rural areas and city outskirts. Increased police visibility and arrests are anticipated as both police and private security companies work towards combating the increase in crime. Police have reported that they will be cracking down on individuals found in the possession of explosives as these are often used in robberies and break ins. This follows the most recent armed robbery at a financial institution in Norton in which an automated teller machine (ATM) was targeted.
The opening of schools is often accompanied with the increased targeting of schools and the targeting of individuals carrying cash. Financial institutions and retail outlets in rural and less populated urban centres are likely to remain vulnerable to break ins as intruders target money from these sites. The theft of brass/copper pipes, signage and taps is likely to continue as intruders target sites with weak perimeters and no intruder detection systems.
The country is in fire season, with strong winds, all sites and communities are urged to ensure that they have the appropriate measures in place to prevent fires at and near their properties. This includes installing and maintaining fire guards, ensuring sites have the appropriate fire extinguishers and conducting fire drills.
Most intruders flee at the sign of detection. Given the recurrent theft of copper piping, gate motors and signage, residents should keep perimeter walls and razor wire in good condition and ensure outside fixtures are securely welded.
Given the current crime trends, outside sensors and lighting are crucial for early intruder detection and to minimise the risk of theft of outside fixtures. Additionally, these reduce the risk of intruders proceeding further i.e. breaking into buildings for other items.
Alarms should always be armed and all sections of the property should always be well-lit. Treat the repair and maintanance of alarms, lighting and perimeter wall with priority.
Manufacturing and industrial premises in Southerton and Graniteside accounted for the most incidents this month, with theft of stock, piping and equipment recurring on the same streets. Sites in this corridor should review perimeter wall sturdiness as well as lighting and razor wire coverage. Businesses must ensure they have a dedicated and capable custodian who monitors and reviews the maintainance of security systems..
· Ensure truck drivers do not park in vulnerable areas after hours as this makes them vulnerable to crimes. Additionally, haulage trucks also create blind spots outside premises providing cover for potential intruders.
Given reports of internal theft, engage our Investigations Department to assist with pre-employment screening and voice stress analysis in the event of an incident on site.
Motorists are urged to avoid speeding on the highway and to be cautious when overtaking or approaching stationary vehicles.
| Province | Suburb | Armed Robbery | Robbery | Break In | Theft | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harare | Ardbennie | 1 | 1 | |||
| Athlone | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Belgravia | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Borrowdale | 2 | 2 | ||||
| Chisipite | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Chitungwiza | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||
| City Centre - Hre | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Graniteside | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||
| Greendale | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | ||
| Highlands | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Kuwadzana | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Mabelreign | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Marlborough | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Msasa | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Mukuvisi | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Newlands | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Parktown | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Pomona | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Southerton | 4 | 2 | 6 | |||
| The Grange | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Vainona | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Waterfalls | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Westlea | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Willowvale | 2 | 2 | ||||
| Mash Central | Guruve | 1 | 1 | |||
| Mash West | Chegutu | 1 | 1 | |||
| Kadoma | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Midlands | Mberengwa | 1 | 1 | |||
| Zvishavane | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Masvingo | Gutu | 1 | 1 | |||
| Masvingo | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Total | 3 | 3 | 17 | 23 | 46 | |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04 Aug 19:26 |
Suspicious Person | Manufacturing | Graniteside | Guard raised control and reported that he had seen an intruder jumping out of the site with black plastic bag. A response team was dispatched and searches revealed that no losses or vandalism had occurred on site. |
| 04 Aug 00:00 |
Theft | Industrial | Ardbennie | Vehicle batteries were reported stolen with no signs of forced entry reported on site. |
| 11 Aug 06:10 |
Break In | Manufacturing | Southerton | Break In reported after intruders cut a razor wire and attempted to gain access into one of the warehouses. |
| 15 Aug 04:00 |
Robbery | Manufacturing | Graniteside | Three intruders used a catapult to attack an on duty guard and stole a tent and steel rods from the site before fleeing the scene. |
| 16 Aug 00:00 |
Break In | Industrial | Southerton | An intruder cut the razor wire and attempted to steal scaffolding from the site. |
| 17 Aug 00:00 |
Break In | Manufacturing | Southerton | Intruders scaled the perimeter wall and attempted to steal goods from two containers on site. The alarm activated whilst they were on site and the intruders fled the scene. |
| 19 Aug 03:38 |
Theft | Manufacturing | Southerton | A CCTV operator pressed the panic after she saw intruders on site. The intruders had used a boltcutter to steal a tent from a vehicle whilst the driver was resting inside. |
| 19 Aug 10:54 |
Theft | Industrial | Msasa | An arrest was made after an alert was received that a driver siphoned fuel from his truck whilst he was out on his errands. |
| 23 Aug 03:35 |
Break In | Manufacturing | Southerton | An intruder removed a wall panel and attempted to steal goods on site. An alert dog handler discovered the intrusion and raised alarm causing the intruder to flee the scene empty handed. |
| 26 Aug 00:00 |
Theft | Manufacturing | Msasa | An amoured cable was stolen from the site however no signs of forced entry were reported raising concerns that the theft had been committed internally. |
| 28 Aug 20:05 |
Suspicious Person | Manufacturing | Graniteside | A suspicious person was reported at a manufacturing premise in Graniteside. The intruder who had entered through the main gate, was immediately apprehended. |
| 31 Aug 04:31 |
Theft | Manufacturing | Southerton | A guard pressed his panic after he saw an employee throw items over the perimeter wall. The employee was apprehended and plastic bags weighing 15kgs were recovered. |
| 15 Aug 00:00 |
Theft | Automotive | Graniteside | A client reported that automotive parts had been stolen from the site - no signs of forced entry were reported. |
| 13 Aug 02:00 |
Suspicious Person | Logistics | Sunway City | A guard pressed his panic after he saw an intruder near the perimeter wall. An alarm activated after the intruders cut the razor wire and the intruders fled empty handed |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Aug 00:00 |
Theft | Retail | Willowvale | A guard raised control and reported that a security light and its pole had been stolen from the gate. |
| 12 Aug 16:10 |
Theft | Retail | Willowvale | Investigations were conducted after an undisclosed amount of paint was stolen from the site. One suspect was handed over to the police for ffurther investigations. |
| 13 Aug 23:16 |
Armed Robbery | Fuel Station | Chitungwiza | Four intruders arrived on site in a white twin cab and manhandled the fuel attendant after he got out to assist them. The intruders subdued the fuel attendants and private guard before using keys retrieved from an attendant, to enter the shop. The cash office was forced open and the intruders stole an undisclosed amount of money. The panic signal was only pressed after the incident and a response team was dispatched. |
| 19 Aug 01:02 |
Assault | Fuel Station | Mount Pleasant | An arrest was made after a customer started assaulting the on duty guard over a misunderstanding that occurred on site. |
| 27 Aug 15:45 |
Theft | Shopping Centre | Pomona | A laptop was stolen from an unsecured vehicle. The owner reported that he wasn't sure if he had locked his vehicle before he entered a business on site. No signs of forced entry were seen on the vehicle. |
| 30 Aug 10:30 |
Theft | Retail | Msasa | An arrest was made after a suspect stole a bicycle from the site. |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03 Aug 19:30 |
Theft of Vehicle External | Residential | Dzivarasekwa | A theft of vehicle was reported at a residential site. The driver reported that he left the vehicle running whilst he went inside to briefly visit a friend and when he exited the house, the vehicle was gone. |
| 04 Aug 01:59 |
Theft | Residential | Parktown | An intruder scaled the perimeter wall and stole water valves from the site. |
| 05 Aug 04:08 |
Theft | Residential | Highlands | An intruder attempted to take the gate motor after scaling the wall but fled when the alarm activated. |
| 06 Aug 00:48 |
Break In | Residential | Borrowdale | Attempted break in was reported at a residential premise in Borrowdale at 00:48. The attempt was unsuccessful as the alarm activated after the intruder forced open the main door prompting the intruder to flee the scene. |
| 08 Aug 03:54 |
Break In External | Residential | Marlborough | A response team was dispatched after an alarm activated on site. On arrival, the team checked the site and no signs of forced entry were observed. As they exited the site, they saw a suspect hiding in a bush. The suspect fled the scene and left behind a sack full of copper pipes which had been stolen from an unknown location. |
| 12 Aug 00:00 |
Break In | Residential | Greendale | A client reported that intruders removed a perimeter panel and attempted to steal a gate motor from the site . |
| 19 Aug 00:00 |
Break In | Residential | The Grange | A client reported that intruders stole a gate motor from the site after scaling over the perimeter wall. |
| 20 Aug 17:10 |
Theft | Residential | Highlands | A report was received that unknown suspects removed a flood light which was outside the gate. |
| 20 Aug 03:33 |
Break In | Residential | Waterfalls | An intruder used a ladder to scale into the premise and stole a gas tank and borehole pump from the site. The alarm activated during the incident and the intruder fled the scene leaving the goods at a neighboring site. |
| 21 Aug 18:00 |
Theft | Residential | Greendale | A report was received that a cellphone had been stolen on site, a recovery was made after an investigation was conducted on site. |
| 23 Aug 03:36 |
Break In | Residential | Athlone | A client pressed their panic after they saw two intruders on site. On arrival, it was discovered that the intruders had scaled the perimeter wall and stolen copper pipes from the site. |
| 24 Aug 00:00 |
Theft | Residential | Chisipite | An unknown suspect stole clothing and solar equipment that had been left outside whiltst renovations were in progress |
| 29 Aug 01:00 |
Break In | Residential | Borrowdale | Copper pipes were taken after intruders cut through the fence. |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04 Aug 00:00 |
Break In | Critical Infrastructure | Vainona | Fuel was taken after intruders forced open the main door at a cellphone tower station. |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02 Aug 02:33 |
Break In | Business | Belgravia | A response team was dispatched after a panic signal was received from the site. On arrival, the team reported that an intruder scaled the premise, forced open the main door to a shop on site and stole a bag. |
| 26 Aug 00:00 |
Theft | Business | Mukuvisi | A client reported that a water pump had been stolen from the site. |
| 31 Aug 00:00 |
Theft | Business | Highlands | An attempted theft of letterbox was reported on site with suspects damaging the perimeter wall during the attempt. |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Aug 20:55 |
Suspicious Person | Learning Institution | Alexandra Park | An arrest was made after a suspicious person was seen at an educational institution in Alexandra Park at 20:55 (Internal). |
| 02 Aug 03:22 |
Robbery | Religious Institution | Greendale | Two private guards were subdued and one was disarmed by eight intruders. The intruders proceeded to force open a main door and used grinders to open a safe. A response team was dispatched after an alarm signal was received from the site. |
| 06 Aug 00:30 |
Theft | Animal Health | City Centre - Hre | A guard reported that intruders scaled the perimeter wall and stole the water pump and valves. |
| 08 Aug 13:00 |
Armed Robbery | Public Location | Kuwadzana | Police reported that four suspects who were inviolved in the theft and robbery of vehicles in Kuwadzana and surrounding areas had been arrested. |
| 12 Aug 00:00 |
Armed Robbery | Public Location | Mabelreign | Police arrested four suspects who were involved in theft and robbery of vehicles- same as above. 4 arrests made (ZRP). |
| 25 Aug 02:45 |
Theft | Public Location | Newlands | A theft was reported at a public location premise in Newlands at 02:45. A bicycle was taken whilst the owner was resting. |
| 25 Aug 20:00 |
Theft External | Public Location | Westlea | A lone suspect was recorded stealing from a vehicle when the vehicle stopped in congestion along Kirkman Road - smash and grab incidents are often reported in this area. |
| 31 Aug 00:00 |
Theft | Educational | Chitungwiza | A guard reported that copper pipes were taken from the ablution facilities. No signs of forced entry were observed. |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Aug 02:30 |
Robbery and Sexual Assault External | Informal Retail | Mazowe | A robbery and sexual assault were reported at a informal retail outlet in Mazowe. Three suspects attacked complainants and stole money and a cellphone from the site. 1 arrest made (ZRP). An injury was reported (Member of Public). |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Aug 00:00 |
Break In | Financial | Guruve | An attempted break in was reported at a financial premise in Guruve. |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Aug 00:22 |
Intimidation | Fuel Station | Ruwa | A response team was dispatched after two drunk customers started threatening a fuel attendant. The suspects accused the attendant of taking their money and not refueling their vehicle. A panic was pressed and both suspects were arrested (ZRP). |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Aug 12:00 |
Theft External | Shopping Centre | Chegutu | A theft from vehicle was reported at a shopping centre premise in Chegutu. A laptop and hard drives were taken from a vehicle after the motorist parked on site. |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Aug 23:50 |
Robbery External | Residential | Kadoma | A robbery was reported at a residential premise in Kadoma. Money and personal belongings were taken after three intruders attacked a resident. One arrest was made after the resident managed to defend himself and injured one of the intruders (ZRP). |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Aug 00:00 |
Break In External | Mine | Mberengwa | Six intruders broke into a mine and stole gold carbons from the carbon tanks. A private guard and a driver pursued the suspects and the gold was recovered after both vehicles crashed. No arrests were made. |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Aug 00:01 |
Break In | Retail | Zvishavane | An intruder was caught on CCTV attempting to break into a shop via the main door. The intruder fled after he saw a response vehicle approaching the site. |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05 Aug 00:00 |
Theft | Manufacturing | Masvingo | A report was received that intruders drained fuel from trucks parked on site. The incident was only discovered the next morning. |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Aug 00:00 |
Break In External | Financial | Gutu | A break in was reported at a financial premise in Gutu. An undisclosed amount of money was taken after the intruders gained entry through the roof. |
| Date & Time | Crime Type | Premise | Area | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08 Aug 00:00 |
Correctional Facility Escape | Correctional Facility | Masvingo | Two detainees escaped after cutting through a cell window and scaling the perimeter wall prompting officers to pursue the detainees. An officer's firearm jammed during the pursuit and a separate officer sustained a self-inflicted gunshot injury to the foot. The escapees reportedly robbed a nearby shop the same night. One of the detainees has since been arrested. |
