Copper, Gate Motor, and Battery Theft on the Rise – Here’s How to Protect Your Property

Crime

We’re seeing a worrying increase in copper theft, as well as a spike in gate motor and battery theft across several areas in Nelson Mandela Bay. Hotspots include Uitenhage, Summerstrand, Walmer Heights, and Newton Park, but the trend is spreading citywide.

Criminals are targeting copper piping, gate motors, and the batteries inside them, often in the early hours of the morning. These thefts are not only costly to repair, but can also leave your property vulnerable until systems are replaced or fixed.

How to protect your home or business:

  • Check and Arm Your Perimeter Protection:
    Make sure your electric fences, beams, and alarm systems are in good working order and armed at all times, especially overnight. Most criminals avoid properties with visible, active security.
  • Gate Motor Security Tips:
    • Fit an anti-theft bracket or steel cage over your gate motor.
    • Hide or secure gate motor batteries with locked, tamper-proof housings.
    • Make sure your gate can’t easily be lifted off its rails.
    • Consider motion-sensor lights or CCTV near your gate.
  • Protect Your Copper Piping:
    • If possible, conceal external copper pipes or cover them with steel covers.
    • Regularly check for tampering or signs of attempted theft.
    • Install security cameras near exposed piping.
  • Stay Alert:
    Report any suspicious activity or unfamiliar vehicles in your area to Atlas Security immediately. Sharing information helps us all stay safer.

If you’re unsure about the state of your security or want to upgrade your current systems, get in touch with us. Our team can advise on affordable solutions that make a real difference.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—let’s keep your property protected.

If you have any questions or need assistance, our control room is always available on 0861 585 585.

Read More

Community

Emergency Groups vs. Neighbourhood / Community Groups

October 17, 2025

At Atlas Security, timely response to emergencies remains our top priority. Recent events have highlighted the importance of posting incidents to the correct social media channels. Over the past weekend, an accident was reported on a community group that we do not monitor.

Read more
Crime

Knowledge is the first layer of security

June 9, 2026

Knowledge is the first layer of security. Here’s what we’re seeing across Nelson Mandela Bay this month, and the simple habits that make the biggest difference to keeping your home and street safe. Save it. Share it with your street. Because a safer neighbourhood starts with a more aware one.

Read more
Crime

What Happened in Nelson Mandela Bay This Week (8 to 14 June 2026)

June 17, 2026

Every week, our control room and response teams deal with whatever the city throws at them. We log it all, and once a week we like to share what we're seeing on the ground. Not to scare anyone, but because when you know what's actually happening around you, you can make smarter choices to stay safe

Read more