City of Cape Town

Indicator	Incidence of drug related crime
Description	The number of reported drug related crimes per 100,000 of the population per year.

Existing Trends

Significance	The number of reported incidences of drug related crime has increased dramatically over the seven years (2001/2002-2007/2008). This trend may result from firstly, a significant increase in the number of drug abusers in Cape Town as well as the high unemployment rate (many of the drug users are unemployed and thus embark crime sprees to finance their habit) and/or secondly a significant increase in police activity in relation to drug busts. The rate in Cape Town is far larger than the national rate which has show a much more gradual increase.
Implications	High levels of crime discourage investment in Cape Town, increase stress levels among residents, create an atmosphere of fear and distrust, and are likely to impact on property related crime as drug users need to acquire funds to support their habits.
Map	A map showing the incidence of drug related crime by police district.
References	Crime – SAPS   www.saps.gov.za Population – Strategic Development Information and GIS
Contact	Janet Gie Senior Professional Officer Strategic Development Information and GIS Janet.Gie@capetown.gov.za
Complied by	Strategic Information, Strategic Development Information and GIS Department
Updated	2008/12/03