Crime is one of the most serious obstacles to sustainable development in the Durban Metropolitan Area (DMA). It is having negative impacts on job creation, investment, the quality of life of residents and the management of the environment.

Crime in the DMA has become a matter of international concern. In recent years, crime against foreign tourists has created a negative image of the city. The image of Durban as dangerous city is also being created in other parts of the country which is negatively affecting domestic tourism. Crime is thus having a significant impact on the tourism industry as some people are hesitant to visit Durban. As a result, the city is losing a valuable source of job creation and income.

The crime problem in DMA decreases investors' confidence in the area. Large companies, both national and transnational, are unwilling to invest in Durban or anywhere where crime is likely to affect their business. In 1998, there were over 7 000 burglaries (or attempted burglaries) of business premises reported to the police. Perceptions that Durban's Central Business District is unsafe has also led to many businesses moving out of the area resulting in a reduced rates base to the central councils.

Crime has many negative impacts on Durban's residents. These include human injury, displacement of people, heightened insecurity, a breakdown of family cohesion and increasing psychological problems associated with acute social dislocation and trauma.