Violent crime rates in St. Louis are a matter of hot debate.
While the St. Louis area has been in the “hot seat” on the news in the past few years, there’s some evidence that the crime statistics are skewed. You can read the article links included. You decide for yourself.
What’s not up for debate — most major cities worldwide have certain areas prone to violent crime.
Crowded conditions, poverty levels, and cultural differences all contribute. Interesting to note, when calculating crime rates in St. Louis, the suburbs were not included unlike calculations for some other major cities. Therefore, Politifact.com gives a “mostly true” rating to St. Louis crime statistics. Does that mean you need to avoid the city of St. Louis? Certainly not.
St. Louis has such a wealth of things to see and do! If you’re getting “spring fever”, you just need a little safety guidance to enjoy the area.
According to Trip Advisor and Smarter Travel’s websites, exercise greater caution in the north and east parts of St. Louis. Violent crime is higher in these areas.
Many of the city’s tourist attractions are NOT located in these areas. If you’re heading out to enjoy a major sporting event, you’ll find the 3 major stadiums in the safe Central Business District.
Looking for a great music or performing arts event? Grand Center is the hub for the performing arts, also known to be a safe district.
Use common sense. Make a safety check list for your young people venturing out on their own.
- Lock your valuables out of sight inside your car.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
- Don’t walk alone at night.
- Park in a well-lit, Preferred Downtown Parking Facility
- Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
Limit cell phone distraction while you are on foot in the city.
According to 30 year law enforcement veteran Steve Kardian, it only takes seven seconds for a criminal to choose you as a target. How long does it take for you to glance down at your cell phone?
In his 2017 book The New Superpower for Women, Kardian outlines concrete ways or tips to avoid becoming a target of violent crime. Surprisingly, a confident walk and stride helps to deter a would-be assailant. If you shuffle down the street while hunched over your phone, you become a prime target.
Kardian also suggests the “casual glance” or a split-second glance as you’re out and about.
The casual glance around helps you to stay aware of your changing surroundings. A split-second glance also lets a troublemaker know that you are aware of him. What criminal wants to get caught? As a result, a victim of choice is at least temporarily distracted or unaware of their surroundings. Busy mom alert!
Stay cool in crowded conditions and keep your eyes open for your exit route. ( Don’t want to be accused of violent crime? Keep your own cool at your child’s sporting events.)
Pop concert? Large outdoor event? Check out your potential exit routes.
If you’re the aggressive, elbow-shoving type, take a chill-pill before entering the crowds. Take note of the Anheuser-Busch heir Billy Busch. He was recently in the news unfortunately being charged with fourth degree assault due to losing his cool at his son’s basketball practice!
Protect yourself and those you love. If you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer who knows the law and will defend your rights, call attorney Nathan A. Steimel – (636)244-3737 for free initial consultation today.
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