WHILE the quarterly crime statistics for Durban North show a drop in crime rates, shoplifting has increased. The statistics were released by the SAPS after Police Minister, General Bheki Cele’s address on Friday.
The statistics reveal crime trends during the period from July to September, comparing the number of criminal cases opened in the year 2019 as compared to 2020.
Also read: ‘July and August were dangerous months for women’ says Minster Bheki Cele
Residential robbery cases decreased by 12,3 per cent while cases of shoplifting increased by 9,3 per cent from 97 cases in 2019 to 106 cases in 2020.
There were 27 cases of common assault recorded for the 2020 period, a 40 per cent decrease from 45 cases during the same months last year. Sexual offences decreased by 50 per cent with three cases recorded this year and six cases last year.
Also read: Crime stats: Sexual assault cases increase
Attempted murder cases remained the same with two cases recorded in 2019 and two cases recorded in 2020.
Cases of malicious damage to property showed a 50 per cent decrease with 18 cases in 2020 compared to nine cases in 2019.
Theft out of motor vehicles decreased by 45 percent and driving under the influences of alcohol and drugs showed a 98 per cent decrease from 212 cases down to four cases this year.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532.