Crime levels in Gauteng may have decreased during lockdown, but they are starting to steadily climb again as the economy opens up in level three.
This is the trend noticed by Fidelity ADT. Philip Uys, regional community development manager – inland for Fidelity ADT, said during level five there was a very distinct drop in crime.
“We started to see a change during level four,” said Uys. “If one compares household robberies, for example, in the same period last year in our specific footprint, we were looking at approximately 1 000 incidents in May 2019. Although this decreased to just over 200 in May 2020, it definitely started to climb week after week.”
Uys said the majority of cases were business burglaries and business robberies, with some house robberies and street robberies. There were hardly any motor car thefts, which are usually run by organised crime.
“The majority was opportunistic crimes,” said Uys. “In particular theft of electronic devices such as cellphones from joggers, walkers and cyclists and even laptops and iPads through open windows and/or unlocked doors.
“This appears to be indicative of criminals starting to care less and less about the lockdown.”
The gradual increase in public activity as South Africa moved to level three has created the perfect environment for criminals to carry on with business as usual. A rise in the number of incidents, particularly cash-in-transit incidents and commercial vehicle hijackings, is anticipated, especially if the economy remains subdued.
They also anticipate a steady increase in the number of residential crimes, such as house break-ins and theft.
Uys said one interesting observation in the residential market over the last four weeks has been the relatively high rate of house break-ins in outlying areas outside of the metropolitan areas.
He said this does not necessarily mean crime is out of control but rather that crime levels were higher in those towns where the reduction in movement due to lockdown was more aligned to normal public spaces activity.
One concern across the board is the increase in household stress and its potential to increase domestic violence.
“We urge communities to be aware of this and be vigilant to its imminent risks. If you hear concerning screams or sounds indicative of domestic violence please report it to your local SAPS.
“We are concerned that we may see an increase in violent crime now that alcohol sales have been opened up as well. Although there is no firm stats yet, we believe mental well-being is as big a concern under Covid-19 as is physical health,” said Uys.
With little chance for a swift economic recovery, it is anticipated that crime levels will continue to rise. Residents and business owners are reminded to remain vigilant at all times.
