Despatch Crime Statistics
See how Despatch compares to other Eastern Cape precincts vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025 →
About this data
These are raw crime counts from SAPS — not adjusted for population. Areas with more residents will naturally report more crimes. The most reliable indicator is the trend over time, which compares this area against its own history. Learn more
Crime volume
High
in Eastern Cape · Moderate nationally
Reported crimes
1,030
Apr 2025–Mar 2026 · Full year
vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
↓ 6%
fewer crimes vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
vs pre-COVID baseline
→ 1.5%
in line with 2018-2019
Updated · SAPS Q4 2025-26 release
What's changing?
Biggest changes vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
Commercial crime dropped significantly (-57) while Drug-related crime increased (+25).
Crime trend by year
Crime breakdown
Top reported offences in 2025-2026
| Crime category | Reported count |
|---|---|
| All theft not mentioned elsewhere | 172 |
| Residential burglary | 134 |
| Drug-related crime | 119 |
| Commercial crime | 100 |
| Malicious damage | 75 |
| Common assault | 70 |
| Aggravated robbery | 70 |
| Serious assault | 55 |
View full crime breakdown table
| Category | 2025-2026 | 2024-2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| All theft not mentioned elsewhere | 172 | 199 | -27 |
| Residential burglary | 134 | 120 | +14 |
| Drug-related crime | 119 | 94 | +25 |
| Commercial crime | 100 | 157 | -57 |
| Malicious damage | 75 | 63 | +12 |
| Common assault | 70 | 92 | -22 |
| Aggravated robbery | 70 | 64 | +6 |
| Serious assault | 55 | 61 | -6 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs | 37 | 32 | +5 |
| Theft from vehicle | 33 | 45 | -12 |
| Business burglary | 31 | 20 | +11 |
| Rape | 29 | 17 | +12 |
| Murder | 28 | 34 | -6 |
| Culpable homicide | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| Attempted murder | 11 | 20 | -9 |
| Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition | 9 | 10 | -1 |
| Common robbery | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| Shoplifting | 8 | 13 | -5 |
| Kidnapping | 7 | 1 | +6 |
| Sexual assault | 3 | 7 | -4 |
| Public violence | 2 | 0 | +2 |
| Arson | 1 | 2 | -1 |
| Attempted sexual offences | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Crimen injuria | 1 | 4 | -3 |
| Stock-theft | 1 | 6 | -5 |
| Abduction | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Contact sexual offences | 0 | 1 | -1 |
| Neglect and ill-treatment of children | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sexual offences detected as a result of police action | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Compare with nearby areas
Other precincts in Nelson Mandela Bay
Sorted by total reported crimes (lowest first)
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about crime in Despatch
Check another area
Data Sources & Notes
- Crime data: SAPS quarterly crime statistics
- SAPS data reflects reported crime only. Crime reporting rates vary by area.
- This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for safety or property decisions. Full disclaimer
- Full methodology →