Contact crime reaches new high
According to Blue Security's data base, crime in the Durban area had increased by more than 30 per cent since last month.
THERE has been a large spike in contact crimes across the Durban area as, according to Blue Security, had increased by almost 30 per cent during the past month.
The operations director for the company, Hank van Bemmelen, said statistics revealed a 28 per cent rise in contact crimes such as armed robbery, hijacking and assault during the month of April. “There were 32 armed robberies and hijackings reported during the month of April compared to 22 in March. The last time such a high number of contact crimes were recorded was after the festive season,” said van Bemmelen. “The upsurge in these crimes could possibly be attributed to the fact that it was a month full of holidays when criminals may have anticipated that many people would be away and that homes and business premises would be left empty.”
He said the armed robberies and hijackings had been reported across the city in Chatsworth, Clare Estate, Hillcrest, Glenmore, Pinetown, Warner Beach, Glen Anil and Mount Edgecombe, among other areas. Some of the worst hit areas with multiple incidents were Pinetown, New Germany, Glen Anil, Clare Estate and Morningside. “Unfortunately, it appears that this month has also started off on a negative note with seven contact crimes already reported to the company during the first week of May mostly in the same worst affected areas as last month,” said van Bemmelen.
Van Bemmelen said the recent spate of crimes ranged from hijackings in driveways to armed robberies at homes and businesses as well as muggings in the street.
“Armed robbers have been targeting business managers and owners early in the morning and at night as they are opening and closing their premises,” said van Bemmelen.
Motorists must be vigilant when leaving for work and arriving home in the evening. “Especially now that it is starting to get dark earlier, residents need to be alert when driving, stopping at traffic lights and when pulling into and out of their driveways. If you notice anything suspicious such as a loiterer or a strange vehicle parked near your property, rather drive around the block and contact your security company or the police to investigate,” Van Bemmelen said.
