The City of Cape Town is making it easy for residents to report crimes by introducing a new feature to its mobile App that lets people quickly report by-law problems.

Residents can now report several crimes, using 17 sub-categories, including metal theft, public drinking, abandoned or broken-down vehicles, problem buildings, and poaching.

The City’s Safety and Security Directorate says should there be any challenges in reporting certain crimes, the user will be redirected to the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) number on 021 480 7700.

Among the benefits of the Safety and Security reporting feature are the following:

•  Reporting via the App uses minimal data, and the City hopes to make this a free-use App in the future.
• All reports are automatically geolocated and routed to the relevant City departments to ensure efficient response and follow-up.
• The ability to submit accurate details, including photographs, enables faster and more effective incident reporting.
• Reports can be submitted discreetly, allowing users to log incidents without drawing attention to themselves in public spaces.
• Registered Users receive Safety and Security alerts, helping to improve awareness of reported incidents in surrounding areas. These alerts are based on incidents logged with the City.
• Reporting via the App reduces pressure on the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC)

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says this is one of the many ways the City plans to strengthen partnerships with the community, making sure that they are able to access services easily.

“We are incredibly proud and excited about this milestone. It follows the development of a functionality in 2024, linking the deaf community and persons who are hard of hearing directly to the PECC via the City’s App. Now, the public can start logging incidents too. So many of our successes come via tip-offs or reports from the public, just another example of how critical a role everyone has in advancing public safety.”

The App is now available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Smith says the App already allows users to log service requests.

“Residents can also provide feedback on public issues, access and settle municipal bills via e-Services, and stay informed about planned service outages and road closures.”