It is always important to consider safety when traveling to a new place. When it comes to the Bronx in New York and Peckham in London, there is a common perception that these areas are unsafe and prone to robbery. However, it is essential to delve into the statistics to understand which of these areas is more likely to put a foreigner at risk of being robbed.
The Bronx is a borough in New York City that has long been associated with high crime rates. In recent years, however, crime rates in the Bronx have decreased significantly. According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the number of robberies in the Bronx decreased by 8.8% in 2020, with a total of 3,904 incidents reported. This number is still higher than other boroughs in New York City, but the trend is moving in the right direction.
Peckham, on the other hand, is a district in South London that has also been known for high levels of crime. According to the Metropolitan Police, there were 1,381 reported robberies in the Southwark borough in 2020, which includes Peckham. This represents an increase of 13.6% from the previous year.
It is clear from the statistics that both areas have a significant number of reported robberies. However, when considering the chance of a foreigner being robbed, we must look at the demographics of each area. The Bronx has a diverse population, with a high percentage of Hispanic and African American residents. Peckham, on the other hand, has a large number of African and Afro-Caribbean residents.
Research has shown that crime rates tend to be higher in areas with lower socio-economic status and higher levels of poverty. According to the United States Census Bureau, the poverty rate in the Bronx was 27.7% in 2019, compared to 19.8% in New York City as a whole. In the United Kingdom, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that Southwark has a poverty rate of 26.2%, higher than the London average of 21.8%.
So, which area is more likely to put a foreigner at risk of being robbed? Based on the statistics, it is difficult to make a definitive statement. Both areas have significant levels of reported robberies, and it is clear that poverty and socio-economic status play a role in crime rates. It is important for foreigners to take precautions when traveling to either area, such as avoiding walking alone at night, staying in well-lit areas, and being aware of their surroundings.
In conclusion, the statistics show that both the Bronx and Peckham have a high number of reported robberies, and both areas have higher levels of poverty than their respective cities or boroughs. Foreigners should exercise caution when visiting either area and take steps to ensure their safety. It is crucial to remember that statistics can only provide a general idea of the safety of an area and that personal experience may vary. It is always advisable to do thorough research and seek advice from locals or travel experts before traveling to any new destination.