Cape Town Central Precinct
See how Cape Town Central compares to other Western 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
View 14 suburbs in this precinct
All these suburbs share the same crime statistics because SAPS reports data at precinct level.
Crime volume
Very High
in Western Cape
Reported crimes
16,722
Apr 2025–Mar 2026 · Full year
vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
→ 0.1%
no change vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
vs pre-COVID baseline
↑ 2.8%
above 2018-2019
Updated · SAPS Q4 2025-26 release
What's changing?
Biggest changes vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
All theft not mentioned elsewhere dropped significantly (-625) while Drug-related crime increased (+1624).
Crime trend by year
Crime breakdown
Top reported offences in 2025-2026
| Crime category | Reported count |
|---|---|
| Drug-related crime | 5,840 |
| All theft not mentioned elsewhere | 3,277 |
| Theft from vehicle | 1,871 |
| Commercial crime | 1,471 |
| Common robbery | 1,428 |
| Common assault | 643 |
| Aggravated robbery | 516 |
| Shoplifting | 311 |
View full crime breakdown table
| Category | 2025-2026 | 2024-2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug-related crime | 5,840 | 4,216 | +1624 |
| All theft not mentioned elsewhere | 3,277 | 3,902 | -625 |
| Theft from vehicle | 1,871 | 2,478 | -607 |
| Commercial crime | 1,471 | 1,448 | +23 |
| Common robbery | 1,428 | 1,459 | -31 |
| Common assault | 643 | 677 | -34 |
| Aggravated robbery | 516 | 733 | -217 |
| Shoplifting | 311 | 418 | -107 |
| Malicious damage | 287 | 289 | -2 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs | 237 | 154 | +83 |
| Residential burglary | 206 | 330 | -124 |
| Vehicle theft | 155 | 168 | -13 |
| Serious assault | 118 | 128 | -10 |
| Business burglary | 93 | 136 | -43 |
| Crimen injuria | 90 | 55 | +35 |
| Rape | 69 | 60 | +9 |
| Sexual assault | 32 | 21 | +11 |
| Attempted murder | 18 | 8 | +10 |
| Kidnapping | 18 | 12 | +6 |
| Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition | 16 | 15 | +1 |
| Culpable homicide | 7 | 6 | +1 |
| Murder | 7 | 11 | -4 |
| Contact sexual offences | 6 | 2 | +4 |
| Arson | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Sexual offences detected as a result of police action | 2 | 0 | +2 |
| Abduction | 0 | 1 | -1 |
| Attempted sexual offences | 0 | 3 | -3 |
| Neglect and ill-treatment of children | 0 | 2 | -2 |
| Public violence | 0 | 1 | -1 |
| Stock-theft | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Compare with nearby areas
Other precincts in City of Cape Town
Sorted by total reported crimes (lowest first)
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about crime in Cape Town Central
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 →