![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/39/2016/11/crime-SAP.jpg)
Residents are encouraged to report all cases to the local police station in order for the police to identify hot spots and mobilise members where there is a noticeable increase in crime, especially property-related crimes.
Facts regarding property-related crimes:
- Fingerprints can only be booked via SAPS when a case is reported and a CAS number is obtained.
- Housebreaking and theft residential is where property is stolen from the house, garage or garden shed.
- Housebreaking and theft business includes theft from businesses run from home, schools, churches, day care facilities and so on.
- When fingerprints are booked, a reference number is issued and enquiries can be made using the reference number with the Durban Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) in the event of a delay.
- Any property on your premises that entry was gained by forcing open doors, windows and roof tiles (including garden shed).
- Thefts out of motor vehicles should not be repaired before fingerprints have been obtained.
- Theft from motor vehicles is where any accessory or part has been removed from the vehicle.
- Housebreakings are where the perpetrator has entered your property, but was disturbed and nothing was taken.
- Fingerprints get lifted and stored on the SAPS national database.
- In the event where a suspect is arrested, their fingerprints are taken and screened through the database and that is how they are linked to previous crimes committed, no matter which area or town.
DID YOU KNOW?
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