Hermanus has been ranked as the eleventh precinct most affected by drug-related crime both nationally and provincially, according to the latest crime statistics released by the police. Figures show drug-related offences remain the most prevalent crime reported between January and March of this year in the town.

According to the fourth quarter of crime statistics released by the police on 22 May, Hermanus reported 578 drug-related crimes. This was 95 cases less than the previous year, a –14,1% change.

However, the town also took the eleventh spot for crime detected as a result of police action provincially and twelfth nationally. This refers to criminal activity identified by the police through proactive operations.

Local police have welcomed the results as a testament to their internal operations in combatting drug-related crimes.

“This means that we are actually doing brilliantly in this category amongst other stations in the province,” said Col Gustav Tamboer of the Hermanus police in correspondence with Hermanus Times.

In previous years, Hermanus saw increases in drug-related crimes between 2023-’25, before the significant drop in the number of cases this year.

Meanwhile, local police intends to continue combatting the issue of drugs within the town.

“We as an integrated team are continuing to address drug outlets and doing stop searches,” said Tamboer.

Notably, this achievement for Hermanus police was not without its own challenges and threats.

Tamboer said that the leaking of information when planning to raid the outlets where drugs can be accessed and community resistance prove a challenge when conducting stop searches or when planning them.

However, he noted that anonymous tips from the community have greatly assisted in the busting of drug sales and dealing.

Moreover, the collaboration between the greater Hermanus and Overberg Municipality remains crucial in going forward. “Between all law enforcement entities, the municipality, informers and security companies, we can’t go wrong as one team,” Tamboer said. “Integration is key.”