City sees 28.5% drop in emergency incidents

The Public Emergency Communication Centre dispatched assistance to 1 322 incidents this past weekend, seeing a drop by 500 incidents in just a week, by 28.5% Over the same period the previous weekend, 1 850 incidents were recorded.

According to JP Smith, Mayco Member for Safety and Security said  the City’s enforcement agencies made 241 arrests and issued 62 929 fines in the past week. 

He added that the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) dispatched assistance in 1 322 incidents between Friday and Sunday, 2 – 4 January, down 28,5% on the previous weekend.

“The Public Emergency Communication Centre dispatched assistance to 1 322 incidents this past weekend. Over the same period the previous weekend, it was 1 850,”said the City

Smith explained that data in key statistical categories also showed a marked decline, including cases of assault (57), motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents (26) and noise complaints (153).

"The downturn was quite noticeable compared to both the New Year’s period and the previous weekend – an indication that in some respects, certainly, the festivities ended fairly quickly,”he added.

“There was also a slight drop in the overall number of arrests our agencies made in the past week, but officers still had their hands full. 

“While arrests and other indicators are measures of success, so too are the hundreds or thousands of incidents prevented through proactive patrols and assistance, whether that be point duty or assisting stranded motorists and visible patrols in communities, at public amenities and events.” 

In general enforcement efforts, Metro Police officers made 96 arrests, including 40 for the possession of drugs. 

Smith said officers also issued 2 245 notices for traffic and by-law offences.

On Saturday, January 3, officers recovered two firearms in Hanover Park in separate incidents. Two suspects, aged 20 and 38 were detained at Philippi SAPS.

Law Enforcement Officers made 115 arrests and issued 5 594 fines.

Smith said on the roads, Traffic Officers recorded 55 090 offences, impounded 85 public transport vehicles and executed 642 warrants of arrest.

 Officers made 30 arrests of which 26 were for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The city said the public is reminded to please report emergencies or any suspicious and/or criminal activities to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700, and to provide detailed information such as the time, exact address and a short description.

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