THEFT from, and of motor vehicles, residential burglaries, and common and armed robberies were some of the crimes recorded by the Pinetown SAPS in December.

The station’s communications officer, Jennifer Naidu, said the local law enforcement had intensified crime prevention measures across key areas and had deployed additional patrols, special operations, and mobilised extra manpower to hotspot locations.

Crime trends observed

Naidu said analysis of the festive season crime trends revealed clear patterns, which included theft from and of motor vehicles, which was prevalent at shopping centres and open parking areas.

“Peak times were Thursdays and Fridays between 12:00 and 18:00, and on Saturdays between 09:00 and 12:00. VW Polo and Toyota Fortuner vehicles were most frequently targeted,” said Naidu.

Naidu said residential burglaries were recorded in Sarnia, Nazareth, and Ashley, and these were perpetrated mostly on weekday mornings between 06:00 and 09:00 when residents were at work.

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“Vulnerable properties with minimal or no security were primarily targeted,” said Naidu.

Common robberies, said Naidu, occurred in the Pinetown CBD, particularly during Wednesdays between 12:00 and 15:00, and on Fridays between 18:00 and 21:00, with cellphones being the main items targeted.

“Environmental factors such as congested pedestrian areas and high foot traffic contributed to the trend,” said Naidu.

According to the crime trends observed by the Pinetown SAPS, robbery with firearms were recorded in Nazareth, Ashley, and Caversham, and these were mainly on Mondays to Wednesdays between 06:00 and 09:00 and 12:00 and 15:00.

“Poorly lit roads and areas near taverns increased vulnerability. Suspects operated in groups using specific vehicles, including white Toyota Etios, Renault Triber, and VW Polo vehicles. Environmental and social factors, including poor lighting, minimal security, and open parking layouts, contributed to opportunities for crime during the festive period,” said Naidu.

Community advisory and appreciation

Naidu said the Pinetown SAPS appreciate the continued participation and support of community members and private security companies as well as the community policing forum (CPF) in the fight against crime.

“A number of arrests were made during the month of December 2025 as a direct result of cooperation, information sharing, and joint efforts between the community and the police.

“Community members are encouraged to continue providing valuable information to the police by contacting their nearest police station or by calling the Crime Stop number 08600 10111. All information provided to Crime Stop is treated as anonymous. Tip-offs can also be relayed via the MySAPS App.”

SAPS Pinetown contact details:

Community service centre (CSC), which operates 24/7: 082 557 8282 / 031 325 6794 / 031 325 6795

Radio control: 10111

Detectives/investigators, during office hours from 08:00 to 15:00: 082 469 7207

Email: buckhams@saps.gov.za

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