Yesterday, Gothamist was happy to report they are in the safest city in America, or at least they were in 2005 for which the FBI report is for. Today, we get to say we are the #2 safest big city, as reported by the Daily News. While it is a big cheer for us, there is, of course, the angle of unreported crimes:
His car has been burglarized, but he never reported it, figuring that the LAPD had more pressing crimes to investigate. He wondered how many others haven't reported crimes, and whether those numbers would alter the city's standing.
Would that sway us from #2 to a larger number? Probably not. BMVs (Burglary from a Motor Vehicle) are going to be ranked a bit differently than harsher crimes. And if you think the police have better things to do than look into your little BMV, you're wrong. Basic patrol cars are going to be more aware of your block if there is a cluster of crimes reported there. They only know that through data collected through police reports.
Tonight on Nightline (ABC), check out some behind the scenes work with the LAPD. If you miss it, Nightline podcasts all episodes the next day.
· L.A. second-safest big city [Daily News]
· NYC is Safest Big City Again [Gothamist]
· Crime in the United States 2005 [FBI]
Photo by Boygirl via Flickr
