Crime statistics released by the regional command of the Namibian Police in Erongo this week indicate that burglaries and theft have risen steadily since January this year and there seems to be no end in sight to what members of the public feel is a “spike” in criminal activity targeting people’s homes and their businesses.

Only this week in Walvis Bay alone, several burglaries were reported, the latest of which is a break-in at the Pelican Bay Protea Hotel on Sunday night where computer accessories were stolen out of the hotel’s restaurant.
Recently members of the armed response unit of a local security firm shot and wounded a suspected burglar fleeing from a crime scene in the harbour town’s lagoon area. At the scene several residents of residential areas on the fringe of the central business district complained of increased criminal activity, which include burglaries at homes and theft from cars at night and also reported increased movement of suspicious elements by day leading to petty theft from properties where occupants are not present during the day.

People requested Informanté to find out from the Namibian Police if indeed there is a spike in criminal activities relating to burglary and theft. The statistics released by the police in Walvis Bay this week for the Erongo Region indicate that incidents of housebreaking and theft rose by 20 % since January. It peaked at around 40 % in March before going down again to around 20 % of what it was by January.
The figures represent the Erongo Region as a whole and do not contain a detailed break-down of statistics per town. A police spokesperson explained there are many unreported cases and urged the public to report criminal activities to their nearest police station, as this forms the basis of crime statistics which assist the police to plan their crime prevention programmes.
Responsibility for the safety of property lies not only with the police; the public is urged to take seriously their security precautions at home. These include having home alarm systems and burglar bars installed, as well as locking and checking the gates at night, or when no one is at home during the day. While it is important to report and keep a vigilant eye on suspicious activities, security doors are also crucial to maintaining better security at home.