Whether it’s an act of arson, a terrorist attack or a random robbery at your business, being aware of local crime conditions can help you prevent and mitigate security risks. In fact, many property owners and managers get sued for negligent security because they didn’t know the risks of their locations and neighborhoods.
Fortunately, it’s never been easier to stay informed about local crime trends and statistics. Online crime mapping tools like LexisNexis Community Crime Map provide easy access to police-provided data on crimes at the city, borough or precinct level. Users can customize their searches and receive updates daily, weekly or monthly — helping them stay ahead of criminal activity.
Beyond providing direct access to valuable data, these tools serve as interactive forums where residents discuss the latest incidents and collaborate on strategies for community safety. Discussions on these platforms reveal potential safety gaps and allow law enforcement officials to offer real-time updates and safety tips.
Americans are highly interested in what’s being done to curb crime in their communities. Nearly half say they’re extremely or very interested in news about what local officials are doing to address crime (58%) and in tips on how to stay safe (47%). The interest in these topics is even greater among Black Americans, who are more likely than other racial groups to express high levels of interest in all aspects of local crime news.
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