Check Crime Statistics Before Buying Home
REM #A738
By Ilyce R. Glink
Summary: A ThinkGlink reader is wondering how to find out the crime statistics for a neighborhood in which they are hoping to buy a home. Ilyce gives several tips on how to research the crime level in a given area.
Q: I am looking for crime statistics for the neighborhood in which I’m
thinking about buying a home. Where do I get current crime statistics?
A: The best place for neighborhood crime statistics is your local police station.
The log they keep of crimes that are reported is public record. You can ask
the officer on duty to show you the log and ask if there is a public information
officer or someone at the station who can talk to you about what's really going
on in your neighborhood.
But there’s no substitute for doing your own research. Consider spending
some time in the neighborhood. Drive through alleys looking for signs of graffiti,
break-ins (cars or houses), boarded up back windows, etc. You may also wish
to stop in and chat with local store owners about the area and what’s
been happening. Your local alderman’s or councilman’s office may
also provide information that can help.
Sometimes, a local neighborhood newspaper carries a list of weekly crimes. If
your neighborhood has one, you might call over and speak to the reporter who
covers the crime beat.
NOTE: This column is distributed by Real Estate Matters Syndicate, PO Box 366, Glencoe, Illinois, 60022. This column may not be resold, reprinted, resyndicated or redistributed without written permission from the publisher.
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