Crimes against tourists in the Erongo Region have seen an uptick of 26% between January and October this year, compared to the same period in 2024.

Forty-four cases were reported between January and October this year, compared to 35 reported during the same period last year.

Erongo Police indicated that the most common crimes were theft from motor vehicles, housebreaking and robbery.

Warrant Officer Elizabeth Mathias from the Erongo police informed members of the Walvis Bay Tourism Forum about recent incidents reported at Usakos and Swakopmund.

"Armed robbery at the Swakopmund Salt Pan—four suspects allegedly robbed the tourists at gunpoint, took their property, and damaged their motor vehicle tyres. Three iPhones and a backpack containing travel documents were recovered in the area where the crime was committed and handed over to the lawful owners. No suspects have been arrested yet."

Police revealed that during 2024, six people were arrested in connection with these crimes, of which two were sentenced to prison, while four cases are still on the court roll.

This year, police arrested six suspects in connection with similar crimes. 

Of those, one was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment, while five cases are still before the court.

The police recovered stolen property valued at N$85,000 in 2024, while in 2025, they recovered items worth N$250,000. 

Erongo Police Commander Nikolaus Kupembona said the Force has redoubled its efforts, but support from the tourism industry is needed.

"We don't want to see any attacks on tourists, and that is why this forum should bring tangible solutions. Instead of blame games – 'the police are not doing this or that; the police don't have transport' – we can come on board and say, 'Police, we have empowered you; we donated this car to patrol our dunes, to do A, B, C – but you're not doing that. What happened?' Those are the ideas we're looking for."

According to the police, perpetrators often target elderly tourists, those walking along beaches and dunes, and those seeking direction from strangers.

Tourists who leave valuable items visible in their vehicles are often targeted.

Commissioner Kupembona appealed to the Walvis Bay Tourism Forum to share safety tips with tourists to help them stay vigilant.