Despatch Crime Statistics
See how Despatch compares to other Eastern Cape precincts vs Apr–Dec 2024 →
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
623
2025-2026 · 9 of 12 months
vs Apr–Dec 2024
↑ 10.1%
more crimes vs Apr–Dec 2024
(based on 3 of 4 quarters)
vs pre-COVID baseline
↓ 6.2%
below 2018-2019
What's changing?
Biggest changes vs Apr–Dec 2024
Common assault dropped significantly (-8) while Drug-related crime increased (+21).
Crime trend by year
Hollow points with dashed lines indicate years with fewer than 4 quarters of data. These totals may be lower because not all quarters have been released by SAPS.
Crime breakdown
Top reported offences in 2025-2026
| Crime category | Reported count |
|---|---|
| Residential burglary | 102 |
| Drug-related crime | 81 |
| Aggravated robbery | 62 |
| Malicious damage | 56 |
| Common assault | 47 |
| Serious assault | 42 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs | 31 |
| Theft from vehicle | 29 |
View full crime breakdown table
| Category | 2025-2026 | 2024-2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential burglary | 102 | 94 | +8 |
| Drug-related crime | 81 | 60 | +21 |
| Aggravated robbery | 62 | 53 | +9 |
| Malicious damage | 56 | 46 | +10 |
| Common assault | 47 | 55 | -8 |
| Serious assault | 42 | 45 | -3 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs | 31 | 23 | +8 |
| Theft from vehicle | 29 | 35 | -6 |
| Business burglary | 26 | 17 | +9 |
| Rape | 24 | 12 | +12 |
| Murder | 23 | 30 | -7 |
| Robbery at residential premises | 22 | 6 | +16 |
| Culpable homicide | 12 | 9 | +3 |
| Vehicle theft | 9 | 4 | +5 |
| Attempted murder | 8 | 14 | -6 |
| Carjacking | 7 | 13 | -6 |
| Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition | 7 | 6 | +1 |
| Common robbery | 6 | 7 | -1 |
| Kidnapping | 6 | 1 | +5 |
| Robbery at non-residential premises | 6 | 2 | +4 |
| Shoplifting | 6 | 7 | -1 |
| Sexual assault | 3 | 6 | -3 |
| Public violence | 2 | 0 | +2 |
| Truck hijacking | 2 | 10 | -8 |
| Arson | 1 | 2 | -1 |
| Attempted sexual offences | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Crimen injuria | 1 | 4 | -3 |
| Stock-theft | 1 | 3 | -2 |
| Abduction | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bank robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Contact sexual offences | 0 | 1 | -1 |
| Neglect and ill-treatment of children | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery of cash in transit | 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 →