Festive season crime dip

Much to the relief of law enforcement and residents, crime dipped over the Christmas and New Year period.

The decrease was noted in high priority crimes, as confirmed by King Cetshwayo Cluster police spokesperson Captain Siyanda Shangase, who added that police visibility and patrols were high in and around the Richards Bay CBD as well as in residential areas.

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Initiatives by SAPS to increase the number of visible members inside the malls also yielded results, with the mini police station inside Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre, which was operational from early December.

Patrols at tourist attractions and the beaches also ensured bathers were safe, and incidents of crime and violence were eradicated as police and municipal-contracted security monitored beaches at all times, with zero tolerance of alcohol at Alkantstrand.

While a few residential burglaries occurred in which empty homes were targeted, no home invasions or attacks were reported.

Police have warned members of the public to remain on high alert despite the festive season being over.

Child safety both at home and in public is still an area of concern as children are on school holidays until mid-January.

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