Philadelphia, or Philly, is a hard city to ignore because of its history and culture. However, Philly has often gotten a bad rap because of crime rates. According to the 2021 Philadelphia Police Crime Stats Report, the property crime rate was 1.7 times the national average, while the homicide rate was 5.4 more than the national average.
Luckily, Philadelphia has a solid police presence. What’s interesting to note is that only certain portions of Philly are unsafe. However, if you find yourself in Philly, here are safety tips to guide you.
Don’t Draw Attention to Yourself
One of the common safety mistakes tourists make is carrying all their bling. According to Travel Safe, most places you might want to visit, such as the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall, are some of the safest places in Philly. However, you should be careful in areas such as I-676/Vine Street Expressway and some areas in the West of Philly. Leave your bling and cash at the hotel and carry what you need.
Chose Safe Transportation Means
There’re many safe transport options to choose from in Philly. You can move around through the public transit system called SEPTA. If you prefer private transport, use verified providers such as Uber and Lyft. Ensure the driver’s profile picture matches the person who picks you up. If you travel to or from the airport in your car, choose popular Philadelphia airport parking spots because they’re safer.
Research Your Destination
Research even before leaving for any destination. Each city has its common safety issues. For example, in some cities, scams are more likely than pick-pocketing. The point is not to get anxious but to blend in with the city. The more information you have, the less likely you’ll have safety issues.
Have Digital Copies of Your Legal Documents
It’s prudent to have digital copies of your essential documents, such as passports, driver’s licenses, and social security cards. So scan all your documents before leaving your home and save them online, for example, on Google Drive. That way, you can easily access them from a cyber or borrowed phone in the unfortunate case you’re mugged.
Bottom Line
You can enjoy traveling to any new city with proper research and by observing some basic safety tips. Don’t let crime statistics stop you from enjoying the beautiful city of Philly. Instead, watch out for common safety issues, and you’ll be alright. Be safe!
