How to Use GeoRisk Intelligence SA

Complete guide to understanding crime risk analysis, metrics, and methodology

What is GeoRisk Intelligence SA?

GeoRisk Intelligence SA is a comprehensive crime risk analysis platform that helps businesses, insurers, property professionals, and security services make informed decisions based on official South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics.

Key Features:
  • 20-Quarter Analysis: Historical data spanning 20 quarters, continuously updated with new releases
  • Industry-Specific Weighting: Risk scores tailored to your business sector
  • Trend Analysis: Identify crime patterns and trajectory over time
  • Professional Reports: Detailed PDF analysis suitable for business use

637,068

Crime Records Analyzed

1,140

Police Stations Covered

20

Quarters of Data

Quick Start Guide

1
Register & Select Industry

Create your account and choose your industry focus for tailored analysis

2
Purchase Credits

Buy analysis credits based on your expected usage

3
Search Locations

Enter addresses, click on map, or use GPS coordinates

4
Analyze Results

Review risk scores, trends, and download detailed reports

Three Ways to Search Locations

Address Search
How it works:
  • Type any South African address
  • Select from auto-complete suggestions
  • System finds GPS coordinates automatically
Examples:
• "123 Main Street, Sandton"
• "Rosebank, Johannesburg"
• "V&A Waterfront, Cape Town"
Interactive Map
How it works:
  • Click anywhere on the map
  • Red marker appears at selected location
  • Coordinates auto-fill in search form
Best for:
• Exploring unfamiliar areas
• Visual location selection
• Comparing nearby locations
GPS Coordinates
How it works:
  • Enter exact latitude and longitude
  • Use decimal format (negative for South)
  • Most precise location method
Format:
Latitude: -26.2041
Longitude: 28.0473
(Johannesburg CBD example)

Understanding Risk Scores & Calculations

How Risk Scores are Calculated
Step 1: Data Collection

We analyze crime data within a 15km radius of your location, covering all police stations in that area.

Step 2: Historical Analysis

We examine 20 quarters of historical data, continuously adding new quarters as they become available.

Step 3: Industry Weighting

Crime types are weighted based on your selected industry focus.

Step 4: Normalization

Using Highwatermark Normalization, we convert raw crime numbers into comparable risk scores (0-100).

Risk Categories
0-15: VERY LOW
Minimal crime risk - Excellent for most business activities
15-30: LOW
Below average crime risk - Good for business operations
30-50: MODERATE
Average crime risk - Standard precautions recommended
50-70: HIGH
Above average risk - Enhanced security measures advised
70+: VERY HIGH
Significant risk - Comprehensive security planning required

Understanding Trend Analysis

📈
INCREASING

Crime rates are trending upward over the analysis period. Recent quarters show higher crime levels than historical average.

What this means: Consider enhanced security measures and monitor the situation closely.
📉
DECREASING

Crime rates are trending downward over the analysis period. Recent quarters show improvement compared to historical levels.

What this means: Positive trend, but maintain standard security precautions.
📊
STABLE

Crime rates remain relatively consistent over the analysis period. No significant upward or downward trend detected.

What this means: Predictable risk environment - plan security based on current risk level.
How Trends are Calculated

Our trend analysis uses quarter-over-quarter comparison to identify recent crime patterns:

  • Latest Quarter: Most recent quarter's crime data
  • Previous Quarter: Previous quarter's crime data for comparison
  • Calculation: Percentage change between the two quarters
  • Threshold: >5% change indicates increasing/decreasing trend, otherwise stable

Industry-Specific Risk Weighting

Different industries face different crime risks. Our platform applies industry-specific weights to provide more relevant risk assessments:

Insurance Industry

Higher weighting for crimes that impact insurance claims:

  • Vehicle theft and hijacking
  • Property damage and arson
  • Residential and business burglary
  • Personal robbery and assault
Property/Real Estate

Focus on crimes affecting property values:

  • Residential burglary and break-ins
  • Property damage and vandalism
  • Street crimes affecting area safety
  • Drug-related offenses
Retail Business

Emphasis on commercial crime types:

  • Shoplifting and theft
  • Commercial burglary
  • Armed robbery of businesses
  • Fraud and economic crimes
Security Services

Priority on violent and high-risk crimes:

  • Armed robbery and violence
  • Assault and personal attacks
  • Murder and attempted murder
  • Kidnapping and serious crimes
Logistics/Transport

Focus on transport-related crimes:

  • Vehicle hijacking and theft
  • Cargo theft and truck hijacking
  • Route safety and road crimes
  • Fuel theft and depot security
General Business

Balanced approach across all crime types:

  • Equal weighting for all crime categories
  • Comprehensive risk assessment
  • Suitable for mixed-use developments
  • General business planning

Reading Your Analysis Results

Key Metrics Explained
Overall Risk Score

Weighted average of all crime types relevant to your industry, normalized to 0-100 scale.

Risk Category

Qualitative assessment (Very Low to Very High) based on your risk score.

Trend Direction

Whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or stable over the analysis period.

Confidence Level

How reliable the analysis is based on data availability (High with 20+ quarters).

Technical Details
Analysis Parameters:
  • Search Radius: 15 kilometers from your location
  • Data Period: 20 quarters of historical data, updated quarterly
  • Police Stations: All stations within search radius
  • Methodology: Highwatermark Normalization
  • Data Source: Official SAPS crime statistics
Data Quality: Our analysis covers 99.2% of police stations with complete historical data, providing high confidence in results.

Understanding Your PDF Reports

Executive Summary
  • Overall risk assessment
  • Key findings and recommendations
  • Industry-specific insights
  • Trend analysis summary
Detailed Analysis
  • Crime breakdown by category
  • Historical trend charts
  • Police station coverage
  • Methodology explanation
Recommendations
  • Security recommendations
  • Risk mitigation strategies
  • Industry best practices
  • Monitoring suggestions

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the crime data?

Our data comes directly from SAPS official statistics, updated quarterly. This is the most authoritative source for crime statistics in South Africa, covering 99.2% of all police stations.

Why use a 15km search radius?

15km provides comprehensive coverage while maintaining relevance. This radius typically includes multiple police stations and gives a realistic view of the area's crime environment.

What does "Highwatermark Normalization" mean?

This method converts raw crime numbers into comparable scores (0-100) by using the highest crime levels as reference points, ensuring consistent scoring across different areas and time periods.

How often is the data updated?

SAPS releases crime statistics quarterly. We maintain a rolling 20-quarter dataset, adding new quarters and removing the oldest to keep the most relevant historical perspective.

Can I compare different locations?

Yes! Your search history allows you to compare risk scores, trends, and categories across multiple locations. This is valuable for site selection and risk comparison.

How should I interpret trend indicators?

📈 means increasing risk (take extra precautions), 📉 means decreasing risk (positive trend), and 📊 means stable risk (predictable environment). Consider both current risk level and trend direction.

Need More Help?

Contact our support team for guidance on interpreting your analysis results

Contact Support Start Analysis