Does niagara falls have a high crime rate?

Does Niagara Falls Have a High Crime Rate?

Niagara Falls, a popular tourist destination located on the border of the United States and Canada, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant city life. However, like any other city, Niagara Falls has its share of crime. In this article, we will delve into the crime rates in Niagara Falls and answer the question: does Niagara Falls have a high crime rate?

Crime Rates in Niagara Falls

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, which collects and analyzes crime data from law enforcement agencies across the United States, Niagara Falls, New York, had a total of 4,344 reported crimes in 2020. This translates to a crime rate of 5,454.1 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Comparison to National Average

To put this into perspective, the national average crime rate in the United States is 3,450.3 per 100,000 inhabitants. This means that Niagara Falls has a higher crime rate than the national average.

Types of Crime

The most common types of crime in Niagara Falls are:

• Property Crimes: 3,244 reported incidents (74.5% of total crimes)

  • Burglary: 1,344 reported incidents (31.1% of property crimes)
  • Larceny: 1,244 reported incidents (30.6% of property crimes)
  • Motor Vehicle Theft: 156 reported incidents (3.8% of property crimes)

• Violent Crimes: 1,100 reported incidents (25.5% of total crimes)

  • Aggravated Assault: 244 reported incidents (22.2% of violent crimes)
  • Robbery: 236 reported incidents (21.5% of violent crimes)
  • Rape: 40 reported incidents (3.6% of violent crimes)

Crime Hotspots

According to data from the Niagara Falls Police Department, the following areas have been identified as crime hotspots:

• Downtown Niagara Falls: This area has seen a significant increase in property crimes, including burglary and larceny.
• LaSalle District: This area has been plagued by gang-related violence and drug activity.
• Ferry Avenue: This area has seen an increase in reported incidents of domestic violence and disorderly conduct.

Safety Tips

To stay safe while visiting Niagara Falls, follow these tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings: Keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report any incidents to the authorities.
• Keep valuables secure: Don’t leave valuable items unattended or in plain sight.
• Avoid walking alone at night: Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.
• Keep your hotel room door locked: Don’t leave your hotel room door unlocked, even when you’re inside.

Conclusion

While Niagara Falls does have a higher crime rate than the national average, it’s essential to remember that crime can occur anywhere. By taking simple precautions and being aware of your surroundings, you can minimize your risk of becoming a victim of crime. Additionally, the Niagara Falls Police Department is committed to keeping the community safe and has implemented various initiatives to reduce crime and improve public safety.

Crime Statistics in Niagara Falls

Sources

• FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program
• Niagara Falls Police Department
• City of Niagara Falls Official Website