How to Evaluate a Community's Crime Statistics

Before you move to an area, it's a good idea to know how safe your new neighborhood is from criminal activity.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Telephones
• Internet Access
• Personal Organizers
• Writing Pens
• Computers

1. Obtain crime statistics for selected communities by contacting local real estate agencies, chambers of commerce, police departments or Web sites.
2. Check the reports for statistics on different categories of crime in a community, including violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery and assault) and property crimes (burglary, arson, larceny and auto theft).
3. Examine the crime report for comparisons of a community's crime rate to the national average.

Tips & Warnings

• The latest crime reports for a community may contain last year's statistics; find out about current crimes by monitoring local news sources.
• Don't ignore recurring crimes in a neighborhood; monitor local crime alert programs, newspapers and media broadcasts to stay informed about ongoing problems.