Normally bustling, Long Street in Cape Town is devoid of traffic as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown (7:30am, 21 April 2020). Photo: Gavin Silber

Home » No ATM Fraud or Theft in Cape Town Centre During Lockdown

No ATM Fraud or Theft in Cape Town Centre During Lockdown

Crime in the Cape Town city centre during lockdown has dropped by 73 percent compared with last year, according to statistics released by the Cape Town Central City Improvement District. Only 94 crime incidents were reported from 26 March 2020 to 15 May 2020, compared with 340 during the same period last year, said CCID […]

By SAPeople Staff Writer
18-05-20 13:02
in Business
Normally bustling, Long Street in Cape Town is devoid of traffic as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown (7:30am, 21 April 2020). Photo: Gavin Silber

Crime in the Cape Town city centre during lockdown has dropped by 73 percent compared with last year, according to statistics released by the Cape Town Central City Improvement District.

A security guard patrols an otherwise empty street on day one of the lockdown. Photo: Ashraf Hendricks

Only 94 crime incidents were reported from 26 March 2020 to 15 May 2020, compared with 340 during the same period last year, said CCID Safety & Security manager Mo Hendricks.

The number of contact crimes also dropped dramatically, from 2019’s 23 robberies, 83 cases of theft out of motor vehicles and 38 cases of people fighting in public, down to five robberies (78 percent less), 5 cases of theft out of motor vehicle (92 percent) and 11 cases of people fighting in public (70 percent).

There were no incidents of ATM fraud, which is usually a prevalent crime in the CBD, and no incidents of general theft.

Hendricks says the department’s full complement of 300 safety officers are on duty 24/7.

“Our strategy has proved to be very successful as, working closely with our partners SAPS and the City’s Law Enforcement agency, we have managed to maintain a strong security presence and been able to effectively enforce the lockdown regulations,” he said.

While the first weekend of the lockdown was eventful, with the CBD experiencing a spate of business break-ins which resulted in 14 arrests, the main crimes being committed during this stage of lockdown have been fighting in public, possession of illegal substances and possible stolen goods, and prostitution.

The CCID is also increasing its services to stakeholders during this phase of the lockdown to include the following:

  • Routine checking of residential complexes;
  • Routine commercial building checks to ensure doors and windows are secured;
  • Rapid response to building alarm activations received via the CCID control centre or on the ground via PSOs.
  • A courtesy safety escort service to individuals who feel unsafe walking in the CBD;
  • Providing businesses (which are trading) with security when they open or lock up their premises.