CBD Law Enforcement deployment records 185 arrests in its first quarter
23 October 2022
The dedicated deployment of 100 Law Enforcement officers in Cape Town’s
CBD and surrounds took effect in July, to help address an increase in crime and
by-law transgressions. In their first three months, they recorded 185 arrests
and issued thousands of fines
The dedicated group of 100 Law Enforcement officers for the CBD hit the ground at the beginning of July.
The deployment came just as crime statistics for the preceding three months showed an increase in a number of categories reported to the Cape Town Central police station.
The officers work in shifts, ensuring a 24-hour Law Enforcement presence in the CBD.
This is in addition to the general Area Law Enforcement, Traffic and Metro Police deployments.
Between July and September, the new Law Enforcement deployment made 185 arrests and issued 5 011 fines for traffic and by-law offences.
'Our intention was to stop the rise in crime in the CBD and move closer to realising a space where everyone can feel safer. I'm thrilled to see it's working. Visible policing is a simple concept, but is of crucial importance to not only prevent crime, but also give peace of mind to residents and visitors. We are confident it is going to continue making a real difference for all who work, live and visit the CBD,' said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
Among the arrests were:
- 75 for possession of drugs
- 31 for riotous behaviour
- 29 Schedule B offences
- 14 for possession of dangerous weapons
- four for housebreaking
- four for dealing in liquor
- four for possession of suspected stolen City property
- three for possession of an illegal firearm
- three for possession of car breaking implements
- three for assault
'This is a very positive start, and as the team settles into its rhythm with the other role-players like SAPS, the Metro Police Strategic Surveillance Unit and the CCID, to name a few, we are likely to see even more results. Cape Town has worked hard to ensure that its CBD bucks the trend of that in other cities around the country, and this added enforcement layer is designed to maintain this space for the many thousands of locals from all walks of life, but also our visitors, who frequent the space on a daily basis.
'The deployment of the 100 officers in the CBD is taking Law Enforcement towards an effective 24- hour presence in the CBD, and the surrounding areas, from the Bo Kaap to Vredehoek and Gardens are all likely to benefit, because the enforcement operations follow the crime pattern analysis which is relayed to them on a regular basis,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
