An assessment of weather patterns on property-related crimes in Newlands East policing area, Durban.

Abstract

It is in the best interest of community members, as well as policy makers to comprehend the factors that influence crime while not solely focusing on the effectiveness of the available strategies. This study aimed at exploring the South African Police Services (SAPS) perceptions on weather patterns as a contributory factor to residential burglary in the Newlands East Policing Area of Durban. The motivation behind this study was based in safety within the selected community, mainly focusing on burglary at residential burglary premises because this crime has seen the highest reported property-related crime in the area for the past five years (2012-2016). It was also underpinned by the National Developmental Plan (NDP) of attempting to build safer communities by 2030. In ensuring that the aim of this study was achieved, a qualitative research designed was used, which assisted the researcher to focus on the exploration of weather patterns on burglary in a residential setting. Data collection for this study was based on semi-structured interviews conducted on an individual basis with selected participants. It combined a set of pre-determined questions that enabled the interviewer to explore further particular themes and responses. The findings of this study revealed that residential burglary increase and decrease in relation to different weather conditions within the location of this study. Overall, it can be concluded that weather patterns are indeed a contributory factor to residential burglary. It also suggested that police officials have developed strategies against weather patterns on residential burglary. However, the challenge lies in the communities’ co-operation in fighting this kind of crime.