BLUE Security’s crime statistics have revealed an increase in contact crimes including armed robbery and assault in the greater Durban area over the past year.
The company released its crime statistics comparing the number of incidents reported to the company by its clients for the period 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013 with 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014.
Blue Security managing director Henk Van Bemmelen said overall, contact crimes had increased by 10 per cent, while non-contact crimes had risen by 11,69 per cent for the period.
“Incidents of armed robbery at business and residential premises, which were measured together, rose by 6,91 per cent,” he said.
Van Bemmelen said it was concerning that the number of assaults reported to the company had risen by 68 per cent while personal robbery had risen by 76 per cent. However, hijacking had decreased by 22 per cent for the period.
While there was an encouraging decline of both business and home house breakings and theft, trespassing incidents had escalated by 58,5 per cent and vandalism by 22 per cent, he said.
“These statistics reveal that we are making a difference in the fight against crime and that partnerships with the police and residents are starting to pay off as reflected by the decline in housebreaking incidents,” he said.
He said the fact that perpetrators are being spotted and caught on properties and charged with trespassing before being able to take their crime to the next level is reflected in the rise of trespassing incidents.
“It also indicates that residents are vigilant and that people have stepped up their external security barriers,” said Van Bemmelen.
The company, clients and SAPS had together affected 200 arrests for the period for crimes ranging from trespassing to housebreaking, which reflected a 16,96 increase in the number of suspects taken into custody.
“However, the increasing levels of contact crimes and the huge increase in trespassing cases indicates that crime is still a major problem facing Durban and that we must continue to combat crime as a united front working with SAPS, residents and neighbourhood watch groups so that we can begin to feel safe in our homes again,” he said.
