Knysna Crime Statistics
See how Knysna 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
Very High
in Western Cape
Reported crimes
6,119
Apr 2025–Mar 2026 · Full year
vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
↑ 4.7%
more crimes vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
vs pre-COVID baseline
↑ 9.1%
above 2018-2019
Updated · SAPS Q4 2025-26 release
What's changing?
Biggest changes vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025
Commercial crime dropped significantly (-88) while Drug-related crime increased (+436).
Crime trend by year
Crime breakdown
Top reported offences in 2025-2026
| Crime category | Reported count |
|---|---|
| Drug-related crime | 1,468 |
| All theft not mentioned elsewhere | 872 |
| Common assault | 681 |
| Serious assault | 600 |
| Residential burglary | 429 |
| Malicious damage | 365 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs | 356 |
| Commercial crime | 312 |
View full crime breakdown table
| Category | 2025-2026 | 2024-2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug-related crime | 1,468 | 1,032 | +436 |
| All theft not mentioned elsewhere | 872 | 731 | +141 |
| Common assault | 681 | 680 | +1 |
| Serious assault | 600 | 580 | +20 |
| Residential burglary | 429 | 472 | -43 |
| Malicious damage | 365 | 381 | -16 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs | 356 | 375 | -19 |
| Commercial crime | 312 | 400 | -88 |
| Theft from vehicle | 186 | 230 | -44 |
| Crimen injuria | 165 | 159 | +6 |
| Aggravated robbery | 123 | 171 | -48 |
| Shoplifting | 119 | 164 | -45 |
| Common robbery | 116 | 92 | +24 |
| Business burglary | 88 | 122 | -34 |
| Rape | 86 | 85 | +1 |
| Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition | 23 | 24 | -1 |
| Arson | 22 | 26 | -4 |
| Sexual assault | 22 | 18 | +4 |
| Culpable homicide | 17 | 9 | +8 |
| Murder | 15 | 24 | -9 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | 22 | -10 |
| Attempted sexual offences | 9 | 2 | +7 |
| Attempted murder | 8 | 12 | -4 |
| Kidnapping | 8 | 15 | -7 |
| Contact sexual offences | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| Public violence | 6 | 5 | +1 |
| Neglect and ill-treatment of children | 2 | 1 | +1 |
| Sexual offences detected as a result of police action | 2 | 1 | +1 |
| Stock-theft | 1 | 2 | -1 |
| Abduction | 0 | 1 | -1 |
Compare with nearby areas
Other precincts in Garden Route
Sorted by total reported crimes (lowest first)
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about crime in Knysna
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 →