Business robberies have increased in central Durban by a staggering 361% and by 185% in Pinetown over the period between April 2007 and March this year.

This is according to the regional crime statistics that were released on the South African Police Services website. The national crime statistics were released two weeks ago.

The statistics indicate that business robberies increased in 34 of the 43 policing areas in the greater Durban area.

Despite a decrease of 7%, KwaMashu still had the highest number of murders in the region and Umlazi had the most attempted murder cases, despite a decrease of 23%.

Pinetown had the most hijackings and the number of such incidents in the suburb increased by 29%.

House robberies increased in most suburbs (31 out of 43 areas) in the greater Durban region. Umlazi had the most house robberies, followed closely by Pinetown and Verulam.

The high unemployment rate and the increase in the cost of living is certainly having an effect on the crime situation.”