If you have been worried about increasingly dangerous situations in our cities, you are not alone. According to a new Harvard CAPS/Harris poll, the majority of Americans say rising crime in cities are a concern.
Seventy-seven percent of respondents say they are concerned that crime is rising in the nation’s cities, while 46 percent of respondents said they were concerned about rising crime in their own communities.
The poll also cites information surrounding the current events that have been unfolding and feeling like criminals are not being held responsible.
"At the same time they see an increase of violence and crime and are concerned that prosecutors are not prosecuting the crimes — they blame the protests and the high unemployment when asked what is responsible for the spike in violence," said Harvard CAPS/Harris polling director Mark Penn. "They also single out social media for being used to coordinate violence and in their view not doing much to curb it."
The findings come out at an interesting time when it's reported that violent crime overall is down 2% in 25 large US cities. However, murderers have increased 16.1% compared to last year in those same cities.
Concern for our safety and the safety of our loved ones is natural. Take that fear and turn it into positive action:
Look at your house from a burglar or invader's standpoint. Take steps to light up dark spots, trim away bushes or foliage that hide your home.
Get a simple alarm system or install wireless cameras around your home. Put the alarm signs up and the alarm decals in your windows as a visual deterrent.
Evaluate your driving habits. Are you taking the safest ways or are you taking the most convenient ways?
Take a look at your social media use and see if you are giving out private information or showcasing when you are not home.
Keep your doors locked. That goes for your car as well as your home.
Stay aware of your surroundings. Look for people who are taking an unnatural interest in you. Look for people who are conspicuous in acting like they are not watching you.
Avoid crowds.
Learn how to defend yourself. That includes empty hand defense as well as responsible armed defense.
Get fit. Criminals look for the weakest of the herd.
We have to navigate violence as our society and culture continues to fracture for the next five to 10 years.
Train now. Like your life depends on it.