Overall crime in Hermanus has decreased by 10,5% in the current financial year, with significant drops in serious violent crimes including a 20% reduction in murders and a 40,5% decline in attempted murders, according to latest police statistics.
Station commander Col Gustaf Tamboer released the crime figures covering the period from 1 April 2025 to 12 March 2026, compared to the previous financial year, showing improvements across most major crime categories.
Contact crimes, which include violent offences against persons, dropped by 7,7% overall. According to Tamboer the most significant improvements were recorded in attempted murder cases, down 40,5%, and murders, which decreased by 20%.
“Sexual offences also showed positive trends, with rape cases down 4,5% and sexual assault incidents decreasing by 20%,” he stated. “However, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm increased by 9,1%, while common assault decreased by 4,5%.”
Property crime plummets
The most dramatic improvements according to Tamboer were seen in property-related crimes, which fell by 28,7% overall. “Residential burglaries decreased by 24,8%, while business burglaries dropped by 44,4%.”
Vehicle-related crimes showed particularly strong improvements, with motor-vehicle and motorcycle theft down by 52%, and theft from vehicles decreasing by 27,1%.
Stock theft was eliminated entirely, showing a 100% reduction.
Robbery incidents down significantly
Robbery with aggravating circumstances fell by 31,2%, while common robbery decreased by 14,7%. House robberies, a major community concern, dropped by 38,4%, and business robberies decreased by 33,3%. The overall subcategory of aggravated robbery showed a 36,6% decline.
“While most crime categories improved, crimes heavily dependent on police action increased by 26,3%, driven primarily by drug-related offences, which rose by 2,4%, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, up 46,5%,” he said. What is striking is the fact that the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, however, decreased by 38%.
Contact-related crimes fell by 8%, with arson down 28,5% and malicious damage to property decreasing by 7,4%.
Other serious crimes dropped by 4,3%, with theft down 10,4% and shoplifting decreasing by 1,6%.
Fraud showed a marginal increase of 0,4%. Despite the positive overall trends, Tamboer highlighted persistent challenges that require continued attention, including taxi violence, extortion, corruption and commercial and organised crime.
“The answer to many concerns and problems, we believe, is an integration approach between stakeholders and organisations as well as around-the-table discussions.”
The station commander thanked community members and stakeholders who contributed to the improved crime picture but emphasised that significant work remained. Associated crimes showed mixed results, with possession of dangerous weapons down 1,5%, while selling liquor without a licence increased by 34,7%.
Looking ahead
According to Tamboer the complete financial year comparison for 2025-’26 versus 2024-’25 will be presented in April, providing a full annual picture of crime trends in the coastal town.
“The statistics suggest that collaborative efforts between police and community stakeholders are yielding positive results, though authorities stress the need for continued vigilance and cooperation to address remaining criminal challenges.”
