Crime Statistics in Brooklyn: Is it Getting Safer? (Probably Not, But Let's Talk About It)

okay, so like, i’m staring at this rain. it’s not just rain, you know? it’s this weird, pewter drizzle, like someone spilled a giant can of silver paint over the whole borough. it’s the kind of rain that makes you want to curl up with a lukewarm coffee and a documentary about pigeons. and honestly, that’s pretty much my vibe lately. i’ve been digging through the NYPD stats for Brooklyn - seriously, it’s a rabbit hole - and it’s… complicated.

seriously, the numbers. it’s not a straight line up or down. violent crime is down a bit overall, like, 8% since 2015, according to the NYPD. property crime? that’s a whole different beast. it’s up, up, up. petty theft, car break-ins, that kinda stuff. it’s like, the city’s trying to be polite, but some corners are still rough. i checked out r/brooklyn on Reddit - it’s mostly people complaining about rent and the subway, but there’s a thread about feeling unsafe in certain areas, especially around Sunset Park. https://www.reddit.com/r/brooklyn/

Speaking of rent… let’s talk about that. I’m a touring session drummer, so my expenses are… chaotic. But even I can’t afford a decent apartment in Brooklyn anymore. I found this cost of living calculator - it’s brutal. Here’s the breakdown (rough estimate, obviously):

Yeah. That’s a lot. I’m currently crashing with my aunt in Queens - she’s got this amazing collection of vintage hats, by the way. It’s a short flight to Miami if you need a change of scenery, but honestly, the vibe here is… gritty. Like, in a good way, sometimes.

I overheard some guys at a dive bar in Bushwick - they were arguing about whether the 7 train was actually safe after dark. One of them said, “Dude, I saw a guy get mugged right outside the L train stop last week. Seriously. Just… don’t walk alone.”

“It’s like, you gotta be aware, you know? Brooklyn’s changing, but it’s not safe* safe. It’s just… different.”

That’s what a local warned me about.

Then there’s the whole street art scene. It’s insane. I spent an afternoon wandering around Bushwick, and it was like walking through a giant, colorful, chaotic gallery. I checked out some murals on Yelp - https://www.yelp.com/map/bushwick-street-art - and they’re seriously impressive. It’s a weird juxtaposition - beautiful art in areas that aren’t always the prettiest.

I also read a TripAdvisor review about the Domino Park in Williamsburg. Someone said, “It’s gorgeous, but be careful after dark. There’s been some petty theft reported.”

“Just keep your eyes open, and don’t flash your cash. Brooklyn’s a beautiful mess, but it’s a mess nonetheless.”

Okay, okay, I get it.

Honestly, I think it’s a mixed bag. There are definitely pockets of safety, especially in the more affluent neighborhoods. But there’s also a real sense of vulnerability, especially if you’re not from here. It’s like, you’re constantly aware of your surroundings. I’m trying to get back to playing gigs, but it’s hard to focus when you’re worried about getting your backpack snatched. I’m thinking of hitting up a few spots in Coney Island - apparently, it’s a decent place to people-watch, and the boardwalk’s pretty chill. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g367344-d178883-Reviews-Coney_Island_Brooklyn-New_York_City_New_York.html

Maybe I’ll just stick to the coffee. And the pigeons. They seem pretty safe.

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