KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna saw a significant jump in the number of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs cases following police action between 1 October and 31 December last year, up by 98.5%, according to the latest crime statistics released for the Garden Route.
Figures released by Major-General Phumzile Cetyana, SAPS Garden Route District commissioner, on 4 March showed similar increases in crimes detected as a result of police action.
There was a 47.1% increase in the number of successes involving drug-related crimes and the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition (five counts higher), during the period in Knysna.
For Kwanokuthula and Plettenberg Bay, there were fewer such crimes detected by police action compared with the previous year - indicating the effectiveness of crime prevention in the areas.
'Really encouraging'
Releasing the crime statistics for the entire Garden Route, Cetyana said it "was really encouraging" that there was an overall decrease in several categories of crime, compared with the same period last year (1 October 2023 to 31 December 2023).
"Most notable is the reduction of 4.4% of the 17 community-reported serious crime categories," said Cetyana.
These were:
- 20 fewer murder cases;
- A 14.9% reduction in rape cases;
- A 7.2% drop in property-related crimes.
The police in the Garden Route arrested 2 154 suspects during the last quarter for contact-related crimes, including murder, attempted murder, robberies and sexual-related offences.
"The partnership with the Western Cape Provincial Traffic Department, local traffic departments and law enforcement also ensured that 2 746 arrests were made for crimes heavily dependent on police action for detection."
They include the following:
- Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition - 30;
- Drug-related crimes - 2 094;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs - 620.
Some selected statistics for the fourth quarter (October to December, 2024) compared with the same period in 2023:
Knysna
Murder - 5 vs 6 (one fewer);
Sexual offences 28 vs 43 (15 fewer);
Robbery with aggravated circumstances 50 vs 40 (up 25%);
Arson 4 vs 5 (one fewer);
Malicious damage to property 111 vs 104 (up 7);
Burglary at residential premises 121 vs 146 (down 17%);
Theft from motor vehicles 57 vs 79 (down 27.8%).
Crimes detected as a result of police action:
Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition 8 vs 3 (five higher);
Drug-related crime 228 vs 156 (up 47.1%);
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs 133 vs 67 (up 98.5%);
Community-reported serious crime 1 117 vs 1 239 (down by 122).
Kwanokuthula
Murder - 4 vs 1 (3 higher);
Sexual offences 12 vs 14 (2 fewer);
Robbery with aggravated circumstances 4 vs 8 (4 fewer);
Assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm 48 vs 38 (10 fewer);
Malicious damage to property 22 vs 19 (up 3);
Burglary at residential premises 28 vs 23 (up 5);
Theft not mentioned elsewhere 36 vs 29 (up 7).
Crimes detected as a result of police action:
Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition 2 vs 3 (up 1);
Drug-related crime 25 vs 28 (3 fewer);
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs 8 vs 8 (same);
Community-reported serious crime 211 vs 203 (up by 8).
Plettenberg Bay
Murder - 2 vs 0 (2 higher);
Sexual offences 14 vs 8 (up 6);
Robbery with aggravated circumstances 2 vs 13 (11 fewer);
Assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm 42 vs 50 (8 fewer);
Malicious damage to property 32 vs 26 (up 6);
Burglary at residential premises 45 vs 50 (down by 5);
Theft from motor vehicles 12 vs 20 (8 fewer);
Arson 1 vs 1 (same);
Malicious damage to property 32 vs 26 (up 6);
Theft not mentioned elsewhere 51 vs 57 (down 6).
Crimes detected as a result of police action:
Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition 2 vs 3 (up 1);
Drug-related crime 25 vs 28 (3 fewer);
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs 8 vs 8 (same);
Community-reported serious crime 334 vs 351 (down 17).
Theft of cables
Cetyana said damage to essential infrastructure remained a concern. This included the theft of electrical cables "which impacts heavily on service delivery".
"We want to urge the community to report such incidents to the police and local municipality. It is important that we work as partners in addressing this scourge which could also have a detrimental impact on the economy of the region," he said.
GBVF remains focus area
Gender-based violence and femicide incidents remained a key focus area in the district. "These incidents are being monitored daily and interventions, in conjunction with non-governmental organisations, are made where necessary. We currently have 21 GBV desks established and victim friendly services are being offered at all our police stations.
"The concerted efforts of all parties involved will definitely ensure that the Garden Route District will experience a reduction and stabilisation in crime in the current quarter - and ultimately for the financial year 2024/2025."
Commercial crimes
Cetyana said areas that required "urgent attention" were cases of arson, malicious damage to property and commercial crimes - where there have been increases.
"With regard to commercial crimes, members of the public are still falling prey to social media or online advertising scams.
"Victims mostly order or purchase items online, and pay deposits, only later to discover that the 'business' they have purchased from does not exist.
"Furthermore, senior citizens are also being targeted by perpetrators who pretend to be bank employees informing clients of activities on their accounts.
"The victim is then requested to confirm their bank details and provide confidential information to confirm their status.
"We want to urge the public to be cautious and rather visit their respective financial institutions to confirm suspicious transactions themselves," said Cetyana.
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