Chairperson, while the ACDP welcomes the release of crime statistics today, we believe they are long overdue. Our people want to know whether government is successful in their fight against crime or losing. Withholding this vital information from the public leads to much speculation and the conclusion that government is failing in its most fundamental responsibility of protecting its citizens.
It is reported that countries that struggle with high crime rates, such as Northern Ireland, publish six statistical reports a year, and in the US, the New York Police Department releases weekly statistics. We believe our crime statistics should initially be released quarterly, then later on a monthly basis.
The ACDP is unhappy about sexual offences that have increased by 10% and household robberies that have increased by 27,3%. Many of these robberies take place while people are at home and they are left highly traumatised. That is why much effort has to go into reducing them.
The ACDP commends the police for the areas where they have been successful. I thank you.