| Easter week: Arrests down; assaults up | Easter week: Arrests down; assaults up | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/DSC_7899.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>In the past week, the City’s enforcement agencies made 305 arrests, down from the previous Easter period. However, as feared, the month-end phenomenon made its presence felt. <br></p> | <p>The City's Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 2 725 incidents over the Easter long weekend - a near 20% increase from 2023's 2 294 incidents. </p><p>This included 1 256 medical calls, 108 fire incidents, 301 cases of assault, up from 211 last year, 98 domestic violence cases – nearly 200% up from 33 the previous year and 88 road accidents, up from 75 in 2023.</p><p>'We were very concerned about the Easter weekend falling over a month-end period, and unfortunately far too many of the statistical indicators point once more to the use, and abuse of alcohol. I am perplexed by the sharp increase in motor vehicle accidents and the number of incidents related to interpersonal violence calls. On a lighter note, we experienced a downturn in drunk driving arrests over the Easter period, which was a pleasant and welcome surprise. Another positive was the number of long distance public transport operators who participated in Operation Exodus, with a 15% increase in vehicles checked compared to last Easter,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.</p><p>In general enforcement, the City's agencies made 305 arrests and issued 62 710 fines for various offences – compared to 361 arrests in 2023, and 72 465 fines issued.</p><p>Drunk driving arrests showed a remarkable decline year-on-year, from 80 in 2023 to just 25 in the past week.</p><p>The Law Enforcement Department arrested 241 suspects and issued 3 159 notices for various by-law transgressions. Seven of the arrests were for driving under the influence of intoxicating substances.</p><p>Officers attached to LEAP also recovered three firearms – two in Lavender Hill and one in Atlantis – and arrested three suspects in connection with these incidents. In Manenberg, on 28 March, a suspect was arrested for possession of a zip gun and a knife. </p><p>Metro Police officers made 49 arrests, including four for drunk driving, and issued 2 334 fines for various traffic and by-law transgressions.</p><p>The City's Traffic Service arrested 15 motorists in the past week – 14 for driving under the influence and one for reckless and negligent driving. </p><p>Officers also executed 1 202 warrants of arrest, impounded 135 vehicles and recorded 57 217 offences.</p><p>Operation Exodus, which focuses on vehicle and driver fitness in the long distance transport industry saw 487 vehicles undergoing checks, up from 423 in 2023.</p><p> </p><p><strong>End</strong></p><p> </p><p><br></p> | 2024-04-01T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#4bcb251f-1166-4a1c-8ee5-d33721046dec;L0|#04bcb251f-1166-4a1c-8ee5-d33721046dec|law enforcement;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#633591e2-ed41-4816-9750-3d5f5090deda;L0|#0633591e2-ed41-4816-9750-3d5f5090deda|illegal activity;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
