Observatory Crime Statistics
Observatory spans 2 police precincts — which one covers you?
All data below updates based on your selection. Why does this suburb have two precincts?
See how Mowbray compares to other Western 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
Low
in Western Cape · Moderate nationally
Reported crimes
458
2025-2026 · 9 of 12 months
vs Apr–Dec 2024
↓ 19.9%
fewer crimes vs Apr–Dec 2024
(based on 3 of 4 quarters)
vs its pre-COVID level
↓ 39.8%
below 2018-2019
Crime by type
Change vs Apr–Dec 2024 by crime category. Murder is shown separately but is included in the violent crime total.
Murder
0
↓ 100% vs Apr–Dec 2024
Violent crime
90
↓ 37.1% vs Apr–Dec 2024
Property crime
237
↓ 11.9% vs Apr–Dec 2024
Other crime
131
↓ 18.1% vs Apr–Dec 2024
What's changing?
Biggest changes vs Apr–Dec 2024
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 |
|---|---|
| Theft from vehicle | 148 |
| Drug-related crime | 52 |
| Residential burglary | 48 |
| Vehicle theft | 35 |
| Malicious damage | 34 |
| Common assault | 32 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs | 32 |
| Aggravated robbery | 26 |
Compare with nearby areas
Other precincts in City of Cape Town
Sorted by total reported crimes (lowest first)
Compare Observatory
Side-by-side crime statistics with nearby suburbs
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.
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.
- SA Repo Rate History →— how interest rates affect bond repayments
- Cost of Living: 2010 vs Now →— how purchasing power has changed