THERE has been a major spike in crime in Durban North a well-known security company said today.
The most concerning trend according to Blue Security’s Brian Jackson was massive increase in the numbers of people found trespassing. This had increased by a massive 316 per cent. Business burglaries had also shot up by 78 per cent, while theft had increased 61 per cent.The operations manager said: “Unfortunately, crime has continued to increase and our statistics (1 August 2012 to 31 July 2013) reflect a startling rise in the number of incidents reported, which was up to 222 from 153 last year.
These crimes range from vandalism, trespassing, theft, theft of motor vehicles and shoplifting, to attempted housebreakings, housebreakings and theft, assault, hijacking and armed robberies.” “We seem to be winning some battles regarding housebreakings and serious crimes by improving perimeter security but the high level of trespassing indicates that there is no shortage of criminal activity that is prepared to attempt to breach these additional security barriers,” said Jackson.
The number of serious crimes, such as armed robbery have remained virtually unchanged, with eight incidents reported both this year and last year, however, the number of housebreakings and thefts had increased by two per cent. Home invasions and residential housebreakings have also remained static.
“Working together with residents, security guards from other companies and the police we assisted with 11 arrests over the past year compared to five the previous year,” Jackson said.Residents were urged to exercise caution and to remain vigilant at all times. Jackson also encouraged residents to test their alarm systems regularly to ensure they are in good working order, especially before going away on holida
