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Observatory Crime Statistics

Mowbray Precinct |City of Cape Town
Apr 2025–Mar 2026 · Full year SAPS Data Report error

Observatory spans 2 police precincts — which one covers you?

All data below updates based on your selection. Why does this suburb have two precincts?

Observatory is a suburb in City of Cape Town, Western Cape. Crime in the Mowbray precinct area (covering Observatory) decreased 15.6% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025, with 833 reported crimes in Apr 2025–Mar 2026, and is 35.3% below its pre-COVID level. The most reported crime is Theft from vehicle (175 cases). Residential burglary saw the biggest decrease (-56). Raw counts are not adjusted for population. Source: SAPS quarterly release.

See how Mowbray 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

Crime volume

Low

in Western Cape · Moderate nationally

Reported crimes

833

Apr 2025–Mar 2026 · Full year

vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025

↓ 15.6%

fewer crimes vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025

vs its pre-COVID level

↓ 35.3%

below 2018-2019

Updated · SAPS Q4 2025-26 release

Crime in the Mowbray precinct area (covering Observatory) dropped 15.6% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025.
Total crime: 49% below provincial median
Contact crime: 70% below provincial median
Property crime: 31% above provincial median

Crime by type

Change vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025 by crime category. Murder is shown separately but is included in the violent crime total.

Murder

1

↓ 66.7% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025

Violent crime

123

↓ 31.7% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025

Property crime

296

↓ 12.2% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025

Other (drug, commercial, theft)

414

↓ 11.9% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025

Crime breakdown

Top reported offences in 2025-2026

Top reported crime categories in Mowbray precinct, 2025-2026
Crime categoryReported count
Theft from vehicle		175
All theft not mentioned elsewhere		147
Commercial crime		98
Drug-related crime		68
Residential burglary		64
Vehicle theft		49
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs		46
Malicious damage		45
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Compare with nearby areas

Other precincts in City of Cape Town

Sorted by total reported crimes (lowest first)

Philadelphia

445 crimes → 1.1%

Melkbosstrand

485 crimes ↓ 8.7%

Simon's Town

533 crimes ↓ 4.7%

Camps Bay

606 crimes ↓ 5%

Table Bay Harbour

748 crimes ↓ 11.8%

Strandfontein

956 crimes ↓ 11.7%
See all precincts in City of Cape Town →

Compare Observatory

Side-by-side crime statistics with nearby suburbs

vs Woodstock More comparisons →

Other suburbs served by Mowbray police station

3 suburbs in this precinct share the same SAPS crime data

SAPS reports at precinct level — all suburbs below have identical crime statistics to Observatory.

MowbrayRosebank
View full Mowbray precinct overview →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about crime in Observatory

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 →

Economic Context

Property affordability is shaped by SA's broader economic environment.