Housebreaking most feared crime: Survey

Most households in South Africa fear housebreaking the most compared to other crimes, according to the Stats SA Victims of Crimes Survey released on Thursday (04/12/2014).

"At least 60 percent of households surveyed fear housebreaking/burglary, 50 percent feared home robbery, and street robbery is at 40 percent," Statistician General Pali Lehohla told reporters in Pretoria.

Of the 30,000 households that took part in the survey between 2012 and 2013, 37 percent feared becoming victims of murder and 31 percent of sexual assault.

Lehohla said the survey comprised crime data from police and Stats SA's own household data.

Most crimes occurred at night, particularly car theft and housebreaking.

"The most common entry methods used by burglars are through the door, followed by a window, using a duplicate key, and entering through the garage," Lehohla said.

Safety was a concern among households.

In 2012, 36.5 percent of households felt safe when walking alone at night. For 2013/2014, this dropped to 34.8 percent.

Lehohla said measures taken by households to protect themselves cost billions of rands.

"Crime is very expensive. People have to accompany children to parks, schools to ensure their safety. People don't feel free and safe to walk."

Households in the Western Cape and Gauteng led other provinces in spending on security.

At least 59 percent of households surveyed were satisfied with policing in their area. The Eastern Cape had the highest proportion of satisfied households, at 66 percent, followed by the Western Cape (64 percent), Free State (61 percent), Limpopo (60 percent), and Gauteng (59 percent). - Sapa