Crime statistics for the Western Cape will be released on a monthly basis, the province’s community safety MEC Dan Plato said on Sunday.

“I have instructed my department to specify that the provincial commissioner must provide… regular crime statistics on a monthly basis,” said Plato in a statement.

He said the metro police would be expected to provide the same information on the number and nature of crimes reported.

“Crime stats should not belong only to the police but should be used to inform the public of risks in their communities and empower strategic action from the entire safety fraternity.”

Plato said that this measure would be part of the full implementation of the Western Cape Community Safety Act, Act 3 of 2013.

A deadline of January 2015 has been set for when all legislative measures of this act must be implemented.

Plato said a police ombudsman — who would be tasked with helping “build and strengthen the relationship between the police and communities” –was also set to be appointed.

He said this office was expected to be up and running by the end of October. SAPA