The crime statistics for the third quarter of the 2021-’22 financial year were recently released by national police minister Bheki Cele. The statistics focus on crimes that took place between October and December 2021.
Some police stations in the Drakenstein area that are among the top 30 stations in these statistics for either an increase or decrease in certain crime categories, are Paarl and Paarl East. These statistics have been compared to the 2020-’21 third quarter statistics.
Paarl East’s sexual assault cases have increased since the 2020-’21 third quarter. The latest statistics show nine cases, an increase of four cases since the previous year. Contact-related crimes in the area have decreased by 18 cases.
Recent statistics show 146 cases have been recorded. Paarl East has seen another decrease with malicious damage to property cases dropping from 160 in the previous year to 145.
The Paarl policing precinct ranked sixth among records of burglary at non- residential premises with 86 cases. An increase of 12 cases since the previous third quarter statistics was registered. Paarl also saw a 19,1% increase when it comes to other serious crimes. Statistics in this category now stand at 536 cases, in comparison to the 450 cases of 2020-’21. Another 4,6% increase was recorded when it comes to theft that is not mentioned elsewhere. Cases went from 284 to 297.
Another concerning increase within the Paarl policing precinct is commercial crimes. This station noticed a 66% increase with 161 cases recorded recently, in comparison to the previous statistics’ 97 cases. Shoplifting also went from 69 cases in 2020-’21 to 78.
“If people are wondering about how they can keep themselves safe from these types of crime, then they should look no further than the organisations that are active right on their doorstep,” said Charnel Hattingh, Fidelity ADT’s head of communications and marketing.
Hattingh added that community security groups such as active neighbourhood watches play an important role in communities.
“Neighbourhood watches are an integral part of any community, serving as the eyes and ears for police, law enforcement and security companies. These groups are made up of individuals that sacrifice their time by looking out for their fellow residents, despite often having limited resources at their disposal.”
She further encourages community members to get involved and support their local neighbourhood watch. “Please make contact with your local watch and find out how you can assist them, from volunteering for a patrol to supporting their fundraising drives so that they can buy the equipment they need.”
