Weekly Crime Report: Overall Incidents Decline, but Theft Remains a Concern
Crime
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Atlas Security recorded 84 incidents across its operational footprint between 14 and 20 September 2026, a 7% decrease from the previous week's 90 incidents.
While the overall number of incidents declined, theft and attempted theft continued to account for a significant proportion of the calls attended to by our teams.
Theft remains the most common incident
Theft was once again the most frequently recorded incident, with 25 cases during the week, down from 35 the previous week.
Attempted theft increased from 12 to 15 incidents, bringing the combined total for theft and attempted theft to 40.
Atlas Security also responded to 12 positive burglaries and four attempted burglaries, compared with 14 and five respectively during the previous reporting period.
Taken together, theft, attempted theft, burglary and attempted burglary accounted for 56 of the week's 84 incidents.
Robberies and other incidents
Although overall incidents declined, certain categories recorded increases.
Armed robberies increased from one to three, while robberies of individuals increased from two to four.
One house robbery, one assault and one kidnapping incident were also recorded during the reporting period.
These incidents highlight the importance of maintaining consistent security precautions, regardless of whether overall weekly activity is increasing or decreasing.
Medical and vehicle-related emergencies
Atlas Security responded to 12 medical emergencies during the week, an increase from eight the previous week.
Our teams also attended four vehicle-related incidents and two fires.
These calls highlight the broader role our Control Room and response teams play in assisting communities across Nelson Mandela Bay.
Most affected areas
Walmer recorded the highest number of incidents during the reporting period, with 10 cases, followed by Summerstrand with eight.
North End recorded five incidents, followed by Overbaakens with four.
Fairbridge Heights, Gqeberha Central and Sherwood each recorded three incidents and were tied for fifth.
Overbaakens, which recorded nine incidents the previous week, saw its recorded activity decrease to four. Walmer and Summerstrand, however, recorded increases.
Least affected areas
A total of 32 areas recorded only one incident each during the reporting period.
These included Broadwood, Cotswold, Greenshields Park, Kamma Ridge, Kensington, Mill Park, Mount Croix, Penford, Richmond Hill, Seaview and Walmer Downs.
Lower incident numbers do not necessarily indicate that an area is free from crime. Residents and businesses are encouraged to continue maintaining their usual security precautions.
What residents can do
With theft-related incidents continuing to account for a significant proportion of Atlas Security's weekly activity, residents are encouraged to pay attention to everyday security measures.
Ensure that gates and doors are secured, alarm systems are activated when properties are unattended, and valuables are not left visible in vehicles or easily accessible outdoor areas.
Report suspicious activity as early as possible.
Atlas Security clients can also make use of the Atlas Security App's panic function when immediate assistance is required.
For urgent assistance, contact the Atlas Security Control Room on 0861 585 585.
Our weekly figures reflect incidents recorded by Atlas Security and are not intended to represent every crime reported across Nelson Mandela Bay.
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Your Week In Nelson Mandela Bay
May 26, 2026
If you have ever wondered what a week looks like for the people answering the phones and driving the response vehicles at Atlas, this past week is a good example. Between Sunday the 18th and Saturday the 24th, our teams were called out to 92 incidents across the Bay. Some were frightening, some were heartbreaking, and a few even had a happy ending.
