Latest Gauteng crime stats show alarming hike in commercial crimes

The latest crime statistics for Gauteng have revealed that the province has seen an alarming spike in commercial crimes

On Thursday provincial police commissioner Tommy Mthombeni delivered stats that showed an overall drop of more than 8,000 cases in the third quarter.                                                                                                                                

But crimes like attempted murder and possession of illegal friearms remain a concern.

During the festive season South Africans are often warned against online scammers and told to be on the lookout for cyber crimes.

Well, the last crime statistics from October to December last year have shown why, pointing to a worsening crime problem.

Commercial crimes recorded an increase of over 500 cases year on year with more than 13,000 cases recorded in total.

Mthombeni said that this is a cause for concern.

"When they see something advertised there in Winterveld, they see the latest Mercedes or Polo, when you go there you get accosted and they draw your money and you lose and you don’t get that type of car."

Meanwhile the province has also seen a hike in kidnapping cases with a year-on-year increase of 52 cases.