How safe is living in Cape Town 2015

The crime rate is high in South Africa and it has always been a major concern for tourists, residents and for people moving in and out of the country. South Africa is known to have the highest crime rate per 100,000 residents in the world regarding assault, rape and murder. The current xenophobic outbreak in Johannesburg is making many people wonder about the current situation in Cape Town.

The news about the unrest in the townships in and around Johannesburg sounds very intimidating. Be prepared to investigate where to move to, where to live and which areas to avoid, so you can minimize the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Crime and violence affect everybody like everywhere else in the world. In South Africa, mainly people living or working in the poorer areas are affected by violence and crime. There are certain areas especially the Cape Flats which are no-go areas, so always make sure that you get more information about an area that is unknown to you or contact the local police station for advice.

In regards to more recent burglaries at shopping malls and various stores selling high value goods, the only advice is to be vigilant! It is a very scary thought to get involved in a crime situation, but unfortunately only good security can prevent it. Read through the “Be Alert!” Advice by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to learn more.

South Africa Crime Statistics 2014

To help you get a better overview of the situation of crime in South Africa, take a look at the latest South African crime statistics.

·         Contact Crimes increased slightly by 0.5%. Among these crimes are:
Common Assault – Reduced by 3.3%
Attempted Murder – Increased by 4.6%
Robbery with aggravating circumstances – Increased by 12.7%
Common robbery – Increased by 0.6%

·         Crime detected as result of police action increased by 18.1%. Drug-related crimes increased by 26.1%

·         Commercial Crime decreased by 13.6%

·         Property-related crimes (burglary, arson, malicious damage, theft):
Decreased slightly, but theft out of or from a motor vehicle increased by 3%

·         Aggravated robbery crimes increased significantly.
Bank Robbery – Increased by 200%
Carjacking – Increased by 12.3%
Robbery at residential premises – Increased by 7.4%
Robbery at non-residential premises – Increased by 13.7%

Crime Rate in the Western Cape

          -        Contact crimes increased by 5%, among them were:
           Murder – Increased by 12.8%
           Robbery with aggravating circumstances – Increased by 16.3%

          -        Property Crimes increased by 2.3%

          -        Commercial Crimes decreased by 8.4%

          -        Aggravated Robbery increased significantly:
           Bank Robbery – Decreased by 100%
           Carjacking – Increased by 21.8%
           Robbery at residential premises – Increased by 14%
           Robber at non-residential premises – Increased by 11.5%

Cape Town Crime Statistics

     ·         Burglary, robbery and theft of private property were the most reported crimes according to the statistics in 2013/2014. Almost half of the victims of sexual offences knew the perpetrator. Often they are a member of the family, a friend or part of the community.

   

     ·       For car-jacking, theft of private property and robbery, the middle class and moderately rich population are especially targeted.

     ·         Serious crimes were mainly experienced in low-income areas and townships. The highest violence, assault and property crime is experienced in Mitchell’s Plain – here gang violence is claiming many lives. Other areas such as Khayelitsha, Gugulethu and Nyanga remain the most dangerous according to murder statistics.

     ·         Many Southern Suburbs were affected recently due to violent housebreaking's and the popular Hout Bay has had a recent spate of car-jacking. However, many of the neighbourhoods have put on special awareness campaigns and stepped up security with private watches and more visible police presence. Crimewatch members patrol the streets day and night and so have cut down on criminal offenses drastically.

     ·         Offences such as street muggings, smash-and-grab-robberies and pick-pocketing are a common occurrence in many cities around the world and you are advised to stick to common-sense safety measures.

Crime and violence affects everyone, no matter what area or country you are from, so always remember to keep informed to stay safe!

For reliable, professional security services contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services. They can offer you a wide range of options from general guarding and farm protection to CCTV alarm monitoring.

Written By: Christine Romans