Police stations in the north of Pretoria have recorded a decrease in contact crimes in the latest quarterly crime statistics, but private security companies and community policing structures warn that the fight against crime is far from over.

The statistics reflect crimes reported at the country’s 1 163 police stations between October and December 2025.

Contact crimes, which include murder, sexual assault and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), showed an overall downward trend in Pretoria North, Akasia and Sinoville.

Pretoria North

At Pretoria North station, contact crimes decreased by 9.8%.

Robberies with aggravating circumstances increased by three counts, rising from 48 to 51 cases. Assault cases dropped significantly by 35 counts, from 94 to 59.

Assault with intent to cause GBH increased by six counts, while rape cases decreased by one to eight reported incidents. No sexual assault cases were recorded this quarter, compared to two in the previous reporting period.

Carjackings decreased by eight counts to five cases. However, robberies at residential premises increased by four counts to 14 cases. One case of arson was reported.

Malicious property damage rose by eight counts to 53 cases. Burglary at non-residential premises decreased by one count to 19 cases, while burglary at residential premises increased sharply by 26 cases.

Motor vehicle and motorcycle theft cases increased by 23 counts. Police also detected three more cases of illegal firearm and ammunition possession compared to the previous quarter.

Driving under the influence cases saw a significant spike, with 39 more cases recorded from the 24 reported in the previous quarter.

Despite the overall decrease, private security companies mentioned that criminals are adapting.

Nicky Smit of Maximum Security said while crime appears to have dropped, patrols will not be scaled back.

“Yes, we have noticed that the crime has gone down, but we are still continuing with patrols. We believe that our visibility is what is keeping crime levels low,” he said.

Smit added that incidents are increasingly happening over weekends.

“Because of this, we are increasing patrols during the day on weekends. They also tend to target cars over weekends, so stopping patrols would not be effective.”

Akasia

In Akasia, contact crimes decreased by 9.6%. Twelve attempted murder cases were reported.

Assault with intent to cause GBH dropped by 17.8%, from 129 to 106 cases, while common assault cases decreased by 2.7%, from 224 to 218. Common robberies increased by five counts to 35. Murder cases decreased by two to 11.

Sexual offences increased by seven counts to 33 cases, with 24 rapes reported this quarter. Carjackings increased by one count to 48 cases.

Mark Surgeon of ProShield Security Services painted a different picture from what the statistics suggest.

“Contrary to the statistics, ProShield officers have noticed an increase in petty crime within the areas that we operate,” he said.

He highlighted cable theft as a constant nightly issue in suburban areas, while incidents involving trespassing, commonly referred to as wall jumpers, have noticeably increased.

“More visibility is always needed, along with more proactive policing such as stop and checks,” said Surgeon.

He added that vehicle theft continues to present a challenge, while business robberies and other high-profile crimes occur regularly, often outside their operational area.

“We are constantly investigating such crimes and collaborating with the wider security industry to take down the involved syndicates.”

The Akasia CPF has also raised concern following its January 2026 report. According to Lerato Makwe of the CPF, certain crimes are showing a worrying increase.

The CPF recorded an increase in gender-based violence (GBV) and rape incidents, as well as a rise in house robberies and carjackings.

Residents are particularly vulnerable when opening gates or driving out of their properties, with violent incidents reported.

“Robberies at malls and business premises have increased, along with contact crimes such as being robbed at gunpoint while walking in public areas.

“The CPF also reported an increase in kidnappings for ransom and cases of extortion targeting businesses by criminal syndicates,” she said.

On a positive note, the CPF indicated that cable theft has decreased, along with incidents of hijacking and murder. No ATM bombings or stock theft were reported for January.

Makwe urged residents to remain vigilant and continue working together to keep the community safe.

Sinoville

In Sinoville, contact crimes decreased by 11.8%.

Murder increased by one count, while sexual offences decreased by two counts, with two cases reported. Three rape cases were recorded.

A total of eight assault GBH cases were reported, and common assault cases increased by three counts. Common robberies decreased by one count to 12 cases, while robberies with aggravating circumstances decreased by 13 counts.

Eleven robberies at residential premises were reported, along with one robbery at a non-residential premises.

Malicious property damage decreased by 21 counts, from 36 to 21 cases. Fifteen burglaries at non-residential premises were recorded, while residential burglaries decreased by 41 counts to 33 cases.

Theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles decreased by 34 counts, with 46 cases reported between October and December 2025. Police detected two cases of illegal firearm and ammunition possession, compared to four in the previous quarter.

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