Hermanus has recorded an overall 7,29% reduction in crime during the first six months of 2025, but police were grappling with dramatic increases in drug-related offences and drunk-driving incidents, according to crime statistics released by the Station Commander, Col Gustav Tamboer.
The crime figures, comparing April to September 2025 with the same period in 2024, reveal a complex picture of progress alongside emerging challenges that require intensified law enforcement efforts.
While property-related crimes plummeted by 28,49%, substance-related offenses surged dramatically. Drug-related crime increased by 71,45%, while driving under the influence incidents skyrocketed by 214,89% compared to the previous year. “Crime heavily dependent on police action shows a huge increase of 78,95%,” Tamboer stated, indicating stepped-up enforcement operations have uncovered more offences previously going undetected.
Mixed results across crime categories
Contact crimes, involving direct confrontation between perpetrator and victim, increased by 3,38%. Within this category assault causing grievous bodily harm rose by 26,37%, while common assault increased by 5,88%.
Sexual offences showed concerning trends, with attempted sexual offences rising by 50% and sexual assault increasing by 40%. However, murder, rape and business robberies remained stable compared to 2024 figures.
Property crimes showed significant improvement, with a trio of crime – murder, rape, and robbery – decreasing by 29,41%. House robberies dropped by 35,71%, while residential burglaries fell by 23,12% and business burglaries decreased by 60%.
Vehicle-related crimes saw mixed results. Theft of motor vehicles decreased by 33,33%, and stolen vehicles dropped by an impressive 97,67%. However, stolen property cases increased by 208,33%.
Enforcement success stories
Several crime categories showed substantial decreases, reflecting successful policing strategies. Arson cases dropped by 75%, while stock theft was eliminated entirely. Attempted murder decreased by 29,41%, and aggravated robbery fell by 24,07%.
The illegal possession of firearms and ammunition increased by 12,5%, while dealing in liquor rose by 67,69%, suggesting increased enforcement in these areas.
Festive Season preparations
With the festive season approaching, Tamboer announced the launch of enhanced security measures. “Our Festive Season Operational Plan is in place for execution,” he said, following last Monday’s Safer Festive Season launch at Mount Pleasant Sportsground.
The station commander emphasised community partnership in achieving the crime reduction: “The reduction in crime overall shows the impact of the integrated approach in Hermanus. We need to thank and congratulate all stakeholders involved and more important our community.”
Areas requiring intervention
Tamboer identified several areas of concern requiring integrated approaches, particularly the increases in violent crimes and substance-related offenses. The dramatic rise in drunk driving incidents poses particular risks during the upcoming holiday period. “However, there were areas of concern which needs an integrated approach to reduce those concerned areas,” the colonel noted, highlighting the need for continued vigilance despite overall improvements. The crime statistics reflect broader law-enforcement trends, with increased detection and prosecution of previously hidden offenses contributing to higher reported numbers in certain categories while traditional property crimes decline.
As Hermanus prepares for increased tourist activity during the festive season, police are implementing comprehensive operational plans to maintain and improve the positive crime reduction trend while addressing emerging challenges in substance abuse and violent crime.
