Durban North crime stats show slight increase

RELEVANCY and scepticism are two topics that are bound to crop up whenever discussing South Africa’s crime statistics. While the latter was evident in Durban North resident’s reaction to last year’s stats, which showed a decrease in most crimes, the 2012/13 is bound to have the same reaction as this years stats show only a slight increase in crimes.

While several crimes may be on the increase in the North, motorists, businesses and home owners have cause for concern, this after the release of the national crime statistics.

According to statistics, there has been an increase in theft of motor vehicles with 352 cases being reported this year alone. An increase of 9 when compared to last year’s 343. Also on the rise is the number of house break-ins which have gone up to 591 from 589. Business robberies had also increased with 57 more cases being reported from April 2012 to March 2013.

Haden Searles, chairman of the Durban North/uMhlanga CPF, said it was important not to have a knee jerk reaction to the stats.

“It’s hard to formulate crime strategies on stats that a year old. Yes we have seen an increase in house break-ins but it’s a situation we are aiming to improve,” he said. Searles urged residents to join the CPF as they have access to stats on a monthly basis, which shows the area of concern and what more could be done. “Crime statistics are for understanding trends, but aren’t useful for communities in assessing current or emerging crime trend.”

DA ward councillor, Heinz de Boer, rubbished the claims that crimes had only marginally increased in the area and said he knew of a number of cases where people were actively dissuaded from opening cases. “What needs to be addressed is resource allocation, the population growth and the manpower available to the police doesn’t reconcile,” he said.

Durban North ward councillor, Dean Macpherson, agreed with de Boer but said he was concerned that robbery at residential properties which is at an all time high. “The DA believes that yearly crime stats which are 18 months old are in fact usless, however they do show crime has clearly increased to unacceptable levels. We believe that crime stats should be released on a monthly basis in order for the community to know what crime is trending in their specific area.

While he admitted the crime stats were outdated, Macpherson said it did highlight concerning problems.

“I think Durban North police station is getting onto the right track after years of neglect. I think the new station management have put systems in place to ensure effective policing, however, I do believe both Durban North and Greenwood Park stations need very specific units and more resources to deal with property crimes and home invasions,” he said..