With some 57,000 residents, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is known for its food scene and outdoor activities. However, the city has a problem with violent and property crime that makes home security in Lancaster essential. With a total crime index (TCI) of six — with 100 being the safest — 94% of U.S. cities are safer than Lancaster, according to the latest Neighborhood Scout data, which gleans information from multiple government sources. Here’s how the city’s crime picture compares to other municipalities of comparable size.
Violent Crime in Lancaster
Violent crime remains an issue in Lancaster, where the chance of becoming a victim is one in 161. Of 2,014 crimes reported in the city over the most recent 12-month period, 356 were violent. The FBI defines violent crime as being one of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.
Then there is Erie, Pennsylvania, with about 93,000 residents and a total crime index of 15. The chances of being victimized by violent crime in Erie are one in 197. Of 2,206 crimes reported over 12 months, 472 were in the violent category.
Scranton, Pennsylvania, with some 76,000 residents, is another city with a similar size to Lancaster. It has a TCI of 25 and over a 12-month period, some 235 of 1,305 crimes were violent.
And in Hempstead, New York, which has nearly 59,000 residents and a TCI of 28, there’s a one in 193 chance of experiencing a violent crime. That’s a rate of 5.19 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime in Lancaster
Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Lancaster, there’s a one in 34 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 29.01 per 1,000 residents.
In Erie, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 54 — for a rate of 18.65 per 1,000 residents. Erie logged 1,734 property crimes over 12 months.
Compare Erie’s data with that of Scranton, where you have a one in 71 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 14.12 per 1,000 residents.
The city of Hempstead reported 619 property crimes over 12 months. Here, you have a one in 94 chance of victimization.
The Lancaster Police Department
To help protect these areas, the police department in Lancaster was established almost 200 years ago and now serves almost 60,000 residents. The Lancaster City Bureau of Police puts an emphasis on infusing principles throughout their entire department to help keep their community safe and respectful.
The Morgantown Police Department is located at 39 West Chestnut Street.
How to Stay Safe
Monitored home security systems can help play a crucial role in preventing crime by working closely with local police like those in the Lancasterarea. These systems work in tandem with law enforcement and first responders to lessen the chance of being the victim of a crime or emergency.
With a monitored security system, when an alarm is triggered, the security company’s monitoring center immediately assesses the situation and notifies law enforcement if necessary. By providing real-time information, such as the nature of the alarm and whether it’s a break-in or fire, first responders can respond more quickly and efficiently. The partnership between first responders and a monitored home security company helps enhance public safety and reduce response times.
In Summary
Compared to other cities with similar populations, incidences of property and violent crime are real problems in Lancaster. Meanwhile, in the U.S. as a whole, a residential break-in occurs every 26 seconds. Further, homes with no security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized wherever they are. Some 83% of would-be burglars search for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. That’s why monitored home security systems from Guardian Protection offer around-the-clock monitoring to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered by professionals who work closely with first responders, every hour of the day.
