As Durban moves toward the end of the year, recent crime data provides insight into the challenges and improvements shaping community safety. Blue Security Crime Trends Reports for August and September 2025, together with the latest SAPS and Stats SA findings, show that while certain crime categories continue to improve, others have increased.
According to Blue Security’s data, theft remains the most reported incident across monitored areas. After a small decline in August, theft climbed sharply in September from 95 to 134 cases. Armed robbery also rose from 13 to 27 incidents, while burglary and trespassing both eased slightly. These figures suggest that opportunistic crimes are once again on the rise as activity across the city increases with warmer weather and year-end movement.
Criminal activity was recorded at all times of day in September, with the evening period between 6 pm and 12 am remaining the most active time. Both daytime and night-time incidents increased month on month. Monday and Tuesday have now overtaken weekends as the busiest days for reported incidents.
“While we saw an increase in certain categories in September, there are also encouraging signs that visible patrols, early detection, and active neighbourhood involvement are helping to reduce burglaries and trespassing,” said Stephen Wimborne, Commercial Director at Blue Security. “Security is not only about technology. It is about how consistently we use it. Checking beams and sensors, ensuring outdoor lighting is working, and keeping alarms armed after dark make a big difference.”
Blue Security recorded 145 000 alarm signals in September and covered more than 719 000 kilometres of patrols. Wimborne explained that this aligns with the seasonal increase in crime activity typically seen before the festive period.
SAPS’s latest quarterly report for KwaZulu-Natal recorded 1 193 murders, 5 629 robberies with aggravating circumstances, and over 7 500 cases of assault GBH. Stations such as Phoenix, Chatsworth, and Verulam continue to feature among the country’s highest for serious crimes.
At a national level, Stats SA’s Victims of Crime Survey, released in August 2025, revealed that only about 36 percent of South Africans feel safe walking alone at night. The survey also found that housebreaking remains the
most common household crime, with an estimated 1.5 million incidents over the past year. Theft of personal property affected more than a million people.
“These numbers are not meant to alarm residents but to remind us that safety is a shared responsibility,” said Wimborne. “When neighbours, community forums, and private security providers work together, we build stronger, more connected environments that create safer spaces for everyone.”
Residents can reduce their risk by focusing on three simple areas of home security. The first is to make sure the property perimeter is secure, with strong walls, gates and fencing in good condition. The second is to ensure outdoor areas are well lit, as criminals tend to avoid bright spaces. The third is to test alarm systems regularly to ensure that everything functions as it should.
As Durban heads into the busy festive season, Wimborne emphasised the importance of staying alert and proactive. “Crime prevention starts at home,” he said. “Checking that your gates lock properly, outdoor lighting works, and alarms are armed can go a long way in deterring crime. When residents, security companies, and community forums work together, we create a united front that keeps our neighbourhoods safer for everyone.”
