A Closer Look at Crime in Nelson Mandela Bay: 7–13 April 2025

Over seven days from 7 to 13 April 2025, Atlas Security responded to 100 security-related incidents across the Nelson Mandela Bay, a number that reflects both the volume of challenges faced by communities and the sheer scale of proactive responses by the private security sector.

What types of incidents were most common?

The week’s data shows a concerning trend, with Theft (22 cases), Burglaries (42 in total when combining positive and attempted entries), and Medical Emergencies (20 cases) making up the bulk of reported activity.

Top 5 Incident Types:

• Theft – 22
• Burglary Positive – 21
• Medical Emergencies – 20
• Burglary Attempt – 17
• Theft Attempt – 11

This paints a clear picture: criminals are actively testing property boundaries and looking for opportunities — but in many cases, those attempts were foiled thanks to active alarm systems and vigilant responses.

Which suburbs were hit the hardest?

While crime occurred across various parts of the metro, these suburbs experienced the highest number of incidents:

• Summerstrand – 9
• Walmer – 8
• Gqeberha Central – 8
• Newton Park – 8

What’s important to note is that in many of these areas, Atlas Security has an established presence with CCTV infrastructure, frequent vehicle patrols, and strong community links — all of which are crucial to effective prevention and response.

When suspects were caught

There were 11 incidents during this period where suspects were either apprehended or where arrest-worthy information was handed over to SAPS. While arrests aren’t always immediate, the presence of officers, CCTV footage, and accurate reporting often help lead to follow-up investigations and successful outcomes.

Additionally, 30 SAPS cases were formally opened following reported incidents — a clear indication that community members are taking the correct steps to report and escalate crime through the proper channels.

Solutions and Tips: Staying One Step Ahead

What can we take away from this data? Here are a few practical, human-centered insights:

For homeowners:

• Arm your alarm — always, even when you’re home. The majority of burglary attempts happen during quiet times when suspects assume residents are either away or asleep.
• Install outdoor beams or early warning systems — these are often the first line of defense and can discourage would-be intruders before they even reach your front door.
• Ensure your alarm system is linked to armed response. A blaring alarm without response is only half a deterrent.

For communities:

• Talk to your neighbours — awareness and open communication about suspicious activity often prevents crime before it happens.
• Join local WhatsApp crime alert groups — knowledge is power, and the quicker it’s shared, the quicker it’s actioned. If you're not on one of our area Atlas Security WhatsApp groups, please contact us on 0861 585 585, and we will have you added.
• Collaborate with your security provider — share footage, report near misses, and escalate trends.

What Atlas Security is doing:

• Our teams remain on high alert across hotspot suburbs, increasing vehicle presence and reviewing routes daily.
• We are continuously expanding our CCTV footprint, helping to detect and deter criminal movement in real time.
• With Atlas CCTV Poles, so of which are AI-powered and a dedicated control centre monitoring 24/7, we’re creating an intelligence-driven safety net for the metro.