Crime Snapshot: The First Seven Days of January 2026
Crime
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The first week of January provided an early indication of what crime patterns across Nelson Mandela Bay are shaping up to look like in 2026. Between 1 and 7 January, Atlas Security responded to 108 incidents across the metro and apprehended 24 suspects linked to multiple crimes.
The opening days of the year saw steady pressure on response teams, with activity building toward the first weekend. Saturday, 3 January, recorded the highest volume of incidents for the week, a trend that aligns with historical patterns where weekends and early-morning hours remain key risk periods.
Property-related crime continued to dominate Nelson Mandela Bay. Theft, burglary and attempted burglary accounted for the majority of call-outs, reinforcing the importance of layered security, visible patrols and fast response.
Operationally, the year started with momentum. By 5 January, Atlas Security had already made 19 arrests for 2026, driven by coordinated action between armed response units, the control room and CCTV intelligence. These early interventions contributed to the total of 24 suspects apprehended within the first seven days of the year.
Areas such as Walmer, Central and Sidwell recorded higher activity, while several suburbs experienced isolated incidents rather than sustained crime patterns.
The first week of January confirmed a simple operational reality. Crime does not pause at the start of a new year. What makes a measurable difference is rapid response, intelligence-led deployment and consistent visibility. As 2026 progresses, Atlas Security remains focused on refining area strategies, supporting SAPS where required and maintaining a proactive approach to crime prevention across the metro.
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In the early hours of the morning, Atlas Security’s Control Room received a phone in alert from a client in Penford, Uitenhage, reporting a suspected theft from his vehicle. The client confirmed that his credit card holder was missing and advised that it had been left inside the vehicle. Our Armed Response Officers was immediately dispatched, with the client verifying his details while checking if any additional items had been taken.
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