The latest crime statistics in Kraaifontein reveal a complex picture of public safety trends, with significant decreases in serious offences offsetting increases in other categories. The statistics released last week show crimes reported in the precinct between October and December last year.
Encouraging for the precinct, one of Cape Town’s most violent is the 8,6% drop in the murder rate with a decrease in 19 cases down from 65. Also attempted murder fell by 10 cases from 37, a 2.3% reduction. Sexual offences increased by five incidents from 58 cases and assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm recorded 134 cases, showing a 2,3% increase. Common assault shows a decrease of 9,9% with 318 cases reported in the period.
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Common robbery increased significantly by 33 cases (68,8%) from 48 to 81 cases, whilst robbery with aggravating circumstances fell by 48 incidents. Overall contact crime or crimes against the person decreased marginally by 10 cases, representing a 1,1% decline from 901 to 891 incidents.
Property crime shows marked improvement
Property-related crime experienced substantial decreases across most categories. A total of 96 residential burglaries were reported, indicating a 30,9% drop, whilst burglary at non-residential premises fell by eight incidents (30,9%) from 18 to eight. Theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles decreased by 13 cases from 35 to 22, and theft from motor vehicles declined by 12 incidents to 51.
High-priority “trio crimes” showed mixed results. Carjacking decreased by 10 counts from 14 to four cases, as did robbery at residential premises falling by 14 cases to 18. Robbery at non-residential premises dropped by three cases to six counts.
Crimes detected through police action increased by three cases (0,5%), to 627 counts. These include drug-related crime arrests, which rose to 558 cases, whilst arrests for illegal firearms possession increased by one case to 16. In total 52 drunk drivers were apprehended in the three-month period, 11 less than the last year. Total community-reported serious crime decreased by 72 cases, representing a 4,2% improvement from 1 714 to 1 642 incidents.
Rob Bisset, chair of Tygerberg Cluster Community Police Forum says he is satisfied with the latest crime statistics in Kraaifontein.
“This is a huge improvement for the crime-ridden area. It is not yet what it should be and the area still needs a lot of resources, but any improvement is notable,” he says.
