The recent crime stats released by Bheki Cele, minister of police, reflecting the first quarter of 2022 to 2023, paint a grim picture when it comes to crime in Bellville.
Even though the murder rate is back to 0 (from six people killed in the same period last year) the total number of contact crimes has increased with 9,3% (248 to 271). This category includes sexual offences which have increased by 44,4% (from nine to 13), attempted murder with 200% (from two to six), assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm (down with 26,1% from 24 to 17), common assault (with 31% from 42 to 55), common robbery with 11,6% (from 69 to 77) and robbery with aggravating circumstances with 6,2% (from 97 to 103).
Rise in rape
The total number of sexual offences has risen by 44,4% (from nine to 13), wich includes a 100% rise in rape (from five to 10 cases) and 200% rise in sexual assault (from one to three cases).
The total number of contact-related crimes (arson and malicious damage to property) went up by 28,2% (from 39 to 50).
Despite the negativity the police station seems to be making inroads when it comes to property-related crimes with a 17,7% decrease (from 469 to 386) in the total number of crimes in this category (which includes, among others, burglaries and theft out of vehicles). The number of houses that were robbed is still high despite the decrease of 14,1%, however with 122 cases opened.
Bellville has seen a sharp increase in carjackings in this period of time with 11 vehicles being stolen compared to four last year.
Tips
Security companies like Fidelity ADT say residents can make a big difference in keeping themselves and others safe.
“It goes without saying that it is impossible to prevent every type of crime from happening to us. You can however see a massive difference if people pay attention to their surroundings and what happens around them,” says Charnel Hattingh, the group’s head for marketing and communications.
She says criminals seek out people who appear distracted and most crimes are opportunistic.
“Coupled with this is your inbuilt instinct. People should not ignore that inner voice that warns when someone or something is out of place. When it comes to personal safety, it is far better to err on the side of caution,” says Hattingh.
Know who you should contact if you’re a victim of crime. “This could be anyone from the closest police station to your armed response company, your CPF, or your neighbourhood watch. Someone is ready to help you; all you need to do is to make that call.”
