South Africans have room to be cautiously optimistic following the release of the latest crime statistics showing incremental improvements across the board, says the Democratic Alliance.

"Crime is something which affects each and every South African and a decrease in crime is obviously something to be welcomed," DA spokeswoman Dianne Kohler-Barnard said on Thursday.

South Africans had felt safer in the World Cup year than they had for some time.

When the stats for next year were released, the SA Police Service's special measures during the tournament might translate into even greater improvements.

"Worryingly, residential burglaries have once again increased by 2.7 percent, having increased by 27 percent the previous year," she said.

This meant South Africans were less safe in their homes than the previous year.

The rate of increase in these crimes, as well as robberies at business premises, was a great deal lower than the previous financial year. However, the total continued to rise.

This was coupled with an unfortunate increase at business robberies, which were up by 4.4 percent, having increased by 41 percent the previous year.

"We commend all the brave men and women in the SAPS for their efforts to keep South Africa safe. We also proffer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the 110 police officers who died in the course of duty," Kohler-Barnard said.