(ThyBlackMan.com) Every year the FBI collects crime data from police departments across the country to create its Uniform Crime Report. It gives us a clearer picture of what crime is really happening and benchmarks to measure success and failure in our own communities.
The FBI has said that the report isn’t meant to name winners and losers but to keep the public informed. The report provides basic data without specifics like hate crimes and black on black crimes. But it does reveal trends and truths. The truth is the latest report shows crime rates are just as high as ever in many cities. It can also educate people that believe larger, more diverse cities automatically have a higher crime rate.
Below is a breakdown of the 2014 crime statistics for Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York for comparison.
Key 2014 Los Angeles Crime Statistics
Los Angeles has gained a reputation for having a high amount of crime. These statistics are based on known offenses not convicted crimes. Many cases go unsolved and in some cases a Los Angeles criminal lawyer is able to successfully argue a defendant’s case and charges are dropped.
Population: 3,906,772
Violent Crimes – 19,171
- Murder – 260
- Rape – 1,126
- Robbery – 7,949
- Aggravated Assault – 9,836
Property Crime Total – 83,139
- Burglary – 15,070
- Larceny/Theft – 54,281
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 13,788
- Arson – 1,137
A word about aggravated assault in Los Angeles: Investigative reporting and auditing found that as early as 2009 thousands of aggravated assaults were incorrectly reported as minor assault cases. The department has since corrected the error and the number reflected here should be accurate.
Key 2014 San Francisco Crime Statistics
San Francisco is a relatively affluent city, but that doesn’t mean it’s exempt from crime. In fact, per capita the city has more crime than Los Angeles. This is definitely the case for reported property crimes.
Population: 850,294
Violent Crimes Total – 6,761
- Murder – 45
- Rape – 355
- Robbery – 3,224
- Aggravated Assault – 3,137
Property Crime Total – 45,093
- Burglary – 5,237
- Larceny/Theft – 33,730
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 6,126
- Arson – 241
Key 2014 New York City Crime Statistics
In the last few decades New York City has stepped up its initiatives to reduce crime and build better relations among police officers and the community. As you can see in the 2014 stats listed here, progress has been made. However, the most recent city reports from the current year do show a slight increase for rape and murder.
Population: 8,473,938
Violent Crimes Total – 50,564
- Murder – 333
- Rape – 2,190
- Robbery – 16,581
- Aggravated Assault – 31,460
Property Crime Total – 135,747
- Burglary – 15,916
- Larceny/Theft – 112,107
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 7724
- Arson – n/a
Just looking at these three cities that all fall under the “large” classification, it’s clear that the numbers vary significantly. These numbers also show that a higher population doesn’t equate to a higher crime rate. In fact, New York City has the lowest crime rate even though it is by far the most populated city.
Protecting Yourself Against Crime
For every crime there is a victim. Being proactive and prepared is the best way of lowering your chance of being victimized no matter where you live.
- · Always lock all of your doors and windows in homes and cars.
- · Avoid walking alone at night.
- · Don’t flash cash, expensive jewelry or devices when you’re out in public.
- · Park in a well-lit area with good visibility.
- · Do not meet abusive partners alone.
- · Call the police if your partner abuses you.
- · If a robbery occurs, give the criminal your cash/wallet and keep you life.
- · Keep a non-lethal weapon near your bed and doors for protection.
- · Leave lights on outside of your home.
- · Never allow anyone in that you haven’t already identified.
- · Never advertise the fact that you live alone.
- · Do not leave valuables where they can be seen from a window and always close your curtains or blinds when you’re away.
- · Invest in an alarm system and put a sign at the front of the home announcing an alarm system is in use.
- · If a car jacker attacks you give them the keys without resisting, but don’t allow them to drive you to another location.
- · 90% of violent attacks happen in everyday situations in familiar locations. Be on guard all the times, everywhere you go.
There is also another side to the coin. If you are accused of a crime then it’s in your best interest to protect your rights with a criminal lawyer. The legal system is tough to navigate and in many ways it is set up to limit people’s ability to effectively represent themselves. A criminal lawyer can provide guidance and help you make the best case possible.
Staff Writer; Jerry Williams
