Massachusetts is considered to be very safe to live in, there was a significantly lower incidence of crimes as compared with the national average rate. However, like most other states in the US, the Bay State also has its send unsafe cities and neighborhoods. It is useful to know where the high crime rate is because knowing that can help to make decisions that will keep you safe. Here is a brief description of some of the most dangerous cities in Massachusetts and their crime rates according to the FBI crime statistics.
Springfield
The citizens of Springfield have to face the facts as their city is considered one of the most dangerous in Massachusetts and New England in general. In 2019, it had 958.8 violent crimes per 10000 residents – more than thrice the national average. Concerning criminal activity, the city is also experiencing some instances of murder, aggravated assault, and robbery. The majority of the violent occurrences occur in specific areas within the city for instance the southern part of the city referred to as the South End, Liberty Heights, or Six Corners.
Springfield experiences criminal activities due to poverty and gang violence incidences. There is, however, a higher rate of unemployment than the state and the national average as a city. Budgetary constraints, which arose in the recent decade, have also affected the police department. These and all other systemic problems make the city fail to address violence and drug abuse.
Brockton
Brockton also needs to be included as yet another very dangerous city in Massachusetts due to the very high rates of violent and property crimes. Data brings the violent crime rate to approximately 606 cases per 100,000 population per year, which remains around two times higher than the US rate. Death, sexual violence, theft, and battery are the main offenders. These accidents take place most frequently in the Campello and Vernon Park areas.
Gang membership is a significant factor in Brockton's violent crimes. It is also faced with the challenge of handling cases of drug abuse and a poor economy that leads to criminality. Neither does an underfunded police department pull in two different directions by community engagement and combating crime. These systematic factors continue to make Brockton a perilous city for the citizens and any person of interest.
New Bedford
Even though compared to Springfield or Brockton New Bedford is not severely plagued by murders and robberies, violent crime does exist. This historic coastal city registered about 503 violent crimes per 100,000 within the last FBI reports. Local citizens are made to feel insecure due to the high incidences of shootings and aggravated assaults, and the number of rape and murder also tends to be high for the state.
This revealed that most criminal incidents occur in areas of relatively higher poverty density near the central business districts. However, gang violence remains an integral part of life throughout New Bedford. Other factors which other experts also attribute to street crime include unemployment, alcohol and drug dependency, school dropout and expulsions, and living in disadvantaged neighborhoods. It may be possible to enhance police youth work and increase its engagement with minorities to address these systemic problems.
Taunton
With a population of more than 56000 residents, this Silver City in Bristol County faces challenges of transitioning from being a city associated with high risk. The latest crime rates of Taunton indicate at least 432 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants each year, which, although is still below most cities in the present list, higher than the state and the nation’s average. The cases of attacks and thefts are reported daily, and while cases of murders, rape cases, and other forms of violence may not occur as often, they are still relatively high for a city of a small stature.
Some of the central and northern areas that are nearer to the Matfield River are considered to be the high-risk areas, which is partly a result of the high population density that is observed in areas where residential areas adjoin commercial areas. Taunton is also characterized as a city with moderate levels of gang involvement and the effects of opioids on driving crime rates. More community mobilization and neighborhood activation could prevent the continuation of long-term patterns of crime and violence as well.
Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe
As to the fact, that many cities in Massachusetts have some unsafe zones, one should admit that, still, proactive people can take measures to protect themselves. Do not be alone, especially during night time; make sure doors and windows of houses and cars are closed and locked; report anyone or anything suspicious; look for people or groups that are into neighborhood watch and other community-related organizations. This also minimizes or eliminates the chances of being in those areas if one is to reduce risk in these cities.
That way, by listening to crime reports and analyzing statistics, people can be more informed about certain troubled areas at least. But still, residents shouldn’t be afraid – preparedness is not the same thing as being scared to death. So, it is necessary to be careful, but it is also possible to be sure that you are not only allowed but entitled to live without fear. Even if there are many strong communities out there willing to fight crime and violence, the state of Massachusetts can gradually be made safe for everybody.
