Introduction
Fresno, California, is a bustling city of over 500,000 people. It is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and diverse population. However, like any city, Fresno has its share of crime.
In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at crime and safety in Fresno, including statistics, trends, and tips for staying safe. We will also discuss the various factors that contribute to crime in the city, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity.
Crime Statistics
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, Fresno had a total of 14,500 crimes reported in 2021. This is a decrease of 3% from the previous year.
Violent Crime
The violent crime rate in Fresno is 1,349 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 383 per 100,000 people. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
- In 2021, there were 50 murders in Fresno, which is a decrease of 15% from the previous year.
- There were 303 rapes reported in Fresno in 2021, which is an increase of 10% from the previous year.
- There were 2,139 robberies reported in Fresno in 2021, which is a decrease of 5% from the previous year.
- There were 4,209 aggravated assaults reported in Fresno in 2021, which is a decrease of 2% from the previous year.
Property Crime
The property crime rate in Fresno is 4,644 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 2,283 per 100,000 people. Property crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft.
- In 2021, there were 4,213 burglaries reported in Fresno, which is a decrease of 5% from the previous year.
- There were 8,600 larceny-thefts reported in Fresno in 2021, which is a decrease of 3% from the previous year.
- There were 1,691 motor vehicle thefts reported in Fresno in 2021, which is a decrease of 10% from the previous year.
Crime Trends
The crime rate in Fresno has been decreasing in recent years. This is due in part to a number of factors, such as increased police presence, community policing initiatives, and economic development.
Safe and Unsafe Neighborhoods in Fresno
The crime rate in Fresno varies from neighborhood to neighborhood. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Fresno include:
- Woodward Park
- Fig Garden
- Old Fig Garden
- Sunnyside
- Tower District
Some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Fresno include:
- Central Fresno
- Downtown Fresno
- Southeast Fresno
- Southwest Fresno
- Roeding Park
Tips for Staying Safe in Fresno
There are a number of things you can do to stay safe in Fresno, including:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid walking alone at night.
- Lock your car doors and windows.
- Don’t leave valuables in your car.
- Report any suspicious activity to the police.
Factors Contributing to Crime in Fresno
There are a number of factors that contribute to crime in Fresno, including:
- Poverty
- Unemployment
- Lack of opportunity
- Gang activity
- Drug abuse
Conclusion
Fresno is a complex city with a diverse population and a range of crime rates. While there are some areas of the city that are more dangerous than others, there are also a number of safe and vibrant neighborhoods. If you are planning on visiting or moving to Fresno, it is important to be aware of the crime rates in different areas and take steps to stay safe.