EMPANGENI is ranked in the province’ s top ten worst precincts with the largest number of reported crimes.
This is according to the SAPS national crime statistics, released last week, which placed the town at number six with 8 483 crimes reported in this area.
It was also in the top ten highest for contact crimes (committed against a person), such as murder, sexual crimes, attempted murder, common assault, common robbery and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Meanwhile, crimes compromising citizens safety such as residential burglary and business robbery increased in Empangeni and Richards Bay during April 2012 to March 2013.
The 2011/2012 figures revealed that in Richards Bay 637 house burglaries and 10 business robberies were reported and increased to 667 and 23 respectively over the last year.
Commenting on the figures, Zululand Business Against Crime Manager Dave Whittaker said he was concerned that while there were some decreases, burglaries and robberies remained a problem.
‘Businesses should be free to trade; it is disturbing to see that so many business and residential premises are being targeted.
‘When people feel unsafe and their safety is compromised, it affects businesses and the way people spend their money.
‘Police are doing an exceptional job and their efforts in solving crimes and increased visible and crime prevention policing has led to a reduction in crime.
‘ However, little or no concerted efforts are being taken against drug dealers in Richards Bay and this needs urgent attention,’ he said.
Monthly stats
Whittaker says that while the annual stats are a good indicator, he believed they should be released on a monthly basis to be more effective.
Also the non-reporting of attempted crimes did not give a true reflection of the crime situation.
‘People are not reporting cases of attempted crimes and to some degree this does give an accurate reflection of crime.
‘With monthly reports, trends can be seen, while the public can take proactive steps and be more involved in Community Policing Forums.
‘People have the right to know what is happening in their areas; these results are already six months behind and the trends could have changed already,’ he said.
