Safety First
Many countries worldwide have safety issues, and here in South Africa, we are aware of our own. According to Statista, the top 6 cities in Africa with the highest crime rates in 2024 were all in South Africa. Johannesburg placed third on the list, with a crime index of 80.8. Now, as with most cities, the nature of the crime varies from suburb to suburb.
When reviewing crime statistics over the last few years, you can see that certain crimes have decreased dramatically in the northern areas of Johannesburg over the past few years. We viewed the latest available statistics reports from Crime Stats for the Sandton police precinct to provide a summary of how many crimes have decreased. This gives a glimpse of why the northern suburbs house some of the safer areas to live in Gauteng.
The Sandton precinct had a decrease in annual crime across all categories by 69% from 2015. Murder decreased by 67%, and attempted murder decreased by 27% from 2023. Assault with the intent to do bodily harm decreased by 80% from 2015, and common assault decreased by 46% from 2018. Common robbery decreased by 59%, and robbery with aggravating circumstances decreased by 72% from 2019.
Rape decreased by 70% from 2022, and sexual assault decreased by 47% from 2023. Carjacking decreased by 69% from 2022, and truck hijacking decreased by 33% from 2023. Robbery at residential premises decreased by 78% from 2016, and robbery at non-residential properties decreased by 87%. Malicious damage to property decreased by 80% from 2015.
Burglary at non-residential premises decreased by 77% from 2015, and burglary at residential premises decreased by 78% from 2016. Thefts of motor vehicles and motorcycles decreased by 65% from 2018, and theft out of or from motor vehicles decreased by 83% from 2017. Commercial crime decreased by 30% from 2023, shoplifting decreased by 55% from 2015, and all thefts not mentioned elsewhere decreased by 80% from 2016.
Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition decreased by 75% from 2021, drug-related crime decreased by 89% from 2018, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol decreased by 74% from 2018. Sexual offences detected as a result of police action decreased by 92% from 2015.
While it is unlikely we will ever be completely free of crime, these statistics show that it can improve, and it has improved in some areas. The northern suburbs have also had a boom in access-controlled, 24-hour security estates and complexes which has helped lower the crime rate.
Overall, the northern suburbs of Johannesburg are a good choice if you are looking for a safer area to live in. Let's help you find your dream home now!