According to the crime statistics for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016 released last week, burglaries at residential premises increased from 71 in the year 2014/2015 to 110 in the 2015/2016 financial year.

Murder rate in the Hoedspruit area is up from five in 2014/2015 to eight in 2015/2016.

Assault with with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm increased from 99 to 109 while common assault is up to 70 from 51.

Arson increased from two cases reported to three while malicious damage to property increased from 56 to 84.

Burglaries at non-residential premises increased from 51 to 55 while theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles increased from six to 10.

Stock theft increased slightly from five to six while attempted murder cases remain unchanged at 10 in both years.

On a positive note though, a number of reported criminal cases are on a downward trend: Sexual offences went down from 29 to 28 while common robbery decreased from 16 to 15.

Theft out of motor vehicles went down from 44 to 23 while illegal possession of firearms and ammunition decreased from 15 to five.