A new house break-in capital is emerging north of Durban

According to recently released South African Police Service (SAPS) statistics, residential burglaries have dropped 11% across KwaZulu-Natal.

The province reported 5 059 such crimes between April and June 2026.

More than 10% of these crimes come from only 4 police precincts.

A New Break-in Capital Emerges

Currently, Empangeni records the most residential burglaries.

The crime data shows residential burglaries increased by 2.6%.

Next is Plessislaer, with 152 burglaries in 3 months. However, house break-ins dropped 16.5% compared to last year.

In third place is Inanda. The township also recorded 142 crimes between April and June.

Most concerning are Verulam’s stats. The town, just 30 kilometres north of Durban, has had a massive jump in residential burglaries.

In the 3 months ending June, residential burglaries increased by 15.9% to 124 reported crimes.

That means the town had the fifth-highest increase in residential burglaries, placing it in a top five spot for this type of crime.

If house break-ins continue this trend, it could take Verulam two quarters to become KwaZulu-Natal’s residential burglary capital.

However, it would only take one quarter for the town to become Ethekwini’s residential burglary capital.

But it’s not only residential burglaries; crime in Verulam has been steadily increasing.

Crime in Verulam

Crime in Verulam rose 9.8% between April and June 2026 compared to the period last year.

The most commonly reported crime in the first quarter was drug-related. Verulam recorded 226 such crimes between April and June.

Petty theft and common assault are next. Each recorded 160 such incidents.

Aggravated robbery was the fourth most commonly reported crime.

Followed by commercial crime.

Impact of Crime on Property Values

Verulam homeowners have plenty to be concerned about.

Besides the town’s potential to become KwaZulu-Natal’s residential burglary capital, crime could also be impacting home prices.

In one year, home prices in Verulam have declined 19.3%.

By the end of 2025, the average sale price was R920 000.

But as of September 2026, the average sale price in Verulam is R742 500. This is the lowest it’s been since 2021.

Additionally, homeowners over 60 are cashing out.

More than half (53.6%) of sellers are over 60, suggesting the town is becoming less inhabitable for retirement-age residents.