Contact crime increases in Yeoville

This was revealed in the latest crime statistics released by the Minister of Police, Mr Nathi Mthethwa, on September 19.

The crime statistics compare figures from April 2011 to March 2012 and April 2012 to March 2013.

The number of murders reported increased from 10 to 17. Other crimes which have increased include sexual crimes, attempted murder, common robbery and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Attempted murder went from 55 to 101. Common robbery went from 104 to 138 and robbery with aggravating circumstances increased from 329 to 357.

Common robbery went from 104 to 138. Contact-related crimes such malicious damage to property have increased from 215 to 265. Burglary at non-residential premises has decreased from 92 to 73. Theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles increased from 104 to 136.

Theft out of, or from motor vehicles increased from 243 to 381. The illegal possession of firearms and ammunition increased from 18 to 28.

Drug-related crime decreased from 161 to 155, while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs increased from 340 to 351. Commercial crime decreased from 199 to 138.

Shoplifting increased from 112 to 133 and carjacking decreased from 54 to 48. Robbery at residential premises increased from 46 to 56.

Neglect and ill-treatment of children increased from 13 to 19. Crimen injuria increased from 22 to 23 and culpable homicide increased from two to four. Kidnapping decreased from 10 to eight.

There were no reports of stock-theft, truck-hijacking or arson.

Constable Thabo Malatji, of the Yeoville SAPS, believes the station did well under the circumstances. “One needs to take into consideration the number of people who move in and out of Yeoville, it’s a melting pot and that may be a factor,” said Const Malatji.