Organised criminals are now targeting these three items in your home

Homeowners across South Africa are being urged to be on high alert as organised criminal syndicates shift their focus to valuable energy-related equipment.

According to Rodney Taylor, the Managing Director of private security group Guardian Eye, criminals are now specifically targeting high-value items such as solar panels, battery backup systems and gas cylinders.

He warned that these thefts are no longer being carried out by opportunistic criminals, but by organised groups equipped with the tools and expertise needed to remove the equipment quickly and sell it on the black market.

The trend these days it’s not just opportunistic criminals; it’s organised criminal syndicates,” Taylor said in an interview with Moneyweb Radio.

“So they’re very organised, they’ve got the right equipment, and they’ve got the means and ways to dismantle the systems very quickly and efficiently and are able to get the equipment into the black market. It’s most definitely becoming an organised syndicate”.

Taylor said homeowners should view solar panels, battery systems and gas cylinders as high-value assets and ensure they are properly protected.

He added that many consumers make the mistake of not integrating these installations into their existing security systems.

“These days, what we see is that consumers are making the mistake of not connecting these assets to their current home security systems. These are high-value assets; they’re in high demand, and the consumer needs to ensure that they use technology,” he added.

He called on government to play a stronger role in regulating the second-hand market for solar equipment and improving tracking of serial numbers.

Taylor said better regulation is needed to reduce the risk of stolen equipment being resold and to help authorities trace stolen items more effectively.

mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za

IOL Business