It’s a common refrain among prospective homeowners. Everyone wants to live in a “safe” neighborhood. Where are the safe neighborhoods?
The answer is simple. There really are no guaranteed safe neighborhoods, because crime touches everyone. But we can measure crime, and the county of San Diego has given us an interesting tool, the Arjis Crime Maps Web page, to measure recent crime levels in neighborhoods.
Suppose you are interested in two different homes in two different areas. You can compare the level of crime taking place in and around that address using the Crime Map. The maps only go back 90 days - just a brief snapshot of that area - so you must use caution when using this tool. Any neighborhood can experience crime.
The easiest way to set up your map is to use the home’s address as your search location.
When you log on to the Arjis Crime Maps web page, you will need to accept their conditions of use. Once you click the accept button, you will be on their ABOUT page. There are basically four steps (selection screens) involved in setting up your crime map.
- Location
- Select the Jurisdiction (Usually City)
- Location ( Use Address)
- Radius - (Largest Radius you can use is 1/2 mile)
- Incidents - Type of Crime (Crimes, Arrests & Citations, and Traffic)
- Time Periods (Up to 90 days maximum)
- Map (use the Create PDF button to save or print)
Once you’ve created and saved your map for one address, simply click the location button on the left to enter the next address. You can then jump right to the map button to look at the next address. (You don’t want to change your Incidents or Time Period Settings so that the comparison is meaningful.)
While this is a neat tool, it does not substitute for spending time in an area. It is SO important to visit the places which are important to you, and where you or your family members typically spend time. Visit local shopping areas, schools, parks, beaches or churches - wherever you and your family are likely to spend your time.
When using the tool, you may not know the difference between some of the crime categories listed. If you don’t know the difference between a robbery and burglary, the following references will be helpful.
References
Uniform Crime Reporting Guide
Community Crime Definitions
Arjis Crime Maps