Crime and Pollution in Phnom Penh

Crime Data in Phnom Penh

Crime Perception and Concerns

The crime data for Phnom Penh in 2024 indicates a moderate level of concern among residents. Despite efforts to curb crime, there is notable anxiety about the increase in crime rates, particularly regarding property crimes and drug issues.

Safety perceptions in Phnom Penh vary widely, with a significant number of residents feeling unsafe at night, highlighting a sense of vulnerability during these hours.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes such as theft and home break-ins rank high among concerns for Phnom Penh residents. These issues are seen as immediate threats, necessitating increased security measures to restore public confidence.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related crimes are a significant worry in Phnom Penh, affecting the sense of safety for many residents. The presence of drugs in certain areas exacerbates fears about personal and community security.
• Violent Crimes - Although violent crimes rank lower on the list of public concerns, they are not negligible. The perception of potential violence influences behavior and reinforces the demand for effective crime prevention strategies.
• Public Safety - Phnom Penh's residents generally feel safer during daylight, with many expressing comfort in moving around public spaces at these times. However, nighttime introduces heightened concerns about personal security.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - The perception that crime is on the rise in Phnom Penh is strong. This belief is particularly evident in concerns about corruption and bribery, which are seen as systemic issues affecting justice and law enforcement.
• Specific Fears - Fears of being a victim due to race, ethnicity, or religion are less pronounced, but still present. However, worries about theft and drug crimes are more dominant, urging authorities to take meaningful action.

Summary of Crime in Phnom Penh

While Phnom Penh faces ongoing challenges with crime, especially related to property and drug-related offenses, efforts to bolster community safety and reduce fear are crucial. Continuous improvements in law enforcement and public engagement are key to addressing these persistent issues.

Crime Rankings

Phnom Penh ranks 1st on the Crime rankings in Cambodia. The crime ranking by city for Cambodia is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Phnom Penh

Cambodia

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Phnom Penh struggles with significant air quality issues, primarily due to urbanization and industrial activities. Air pollution remains a prominent concern, affecting overall public health and quality of life.

The city's air quality receives a poor rating, with residents frequently expressing concerns over the impact of pollution on respiratory health and general well-being.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - While the data indicates PM2.5 levels at a baseline, these particles pose potential health risks, particularly during pollution spikes or in sensitive locations.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - PM10 levels, as with PM2.5, are currently measured at a baseline but demand ongoing monitoring to safeguard against future health impacts.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a notable issue in Phnom Penh, largely attributed to traffic and urban development. This constant noise impacts daily life, contributing to stress and diminished quiet spaces.

Garbage disposal and cleanliness are persistent problems, with many parts of the city facing challenges related to effective waste management and sanitation.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - There is widespread dissatisfaction with garbage disposal services in Phnom Penh. Residents cite frequent issues with trash accumulation and inefficient waste management, affecting public health and aesthetics.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Phnom Penh is struggling with noise and light pollution, which is a concern for many residents, impacting sleep and overall quality of life in this bustling city.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Despite its pollution challenges, Phnom Penh has underdeveloped green spaces, which limits the city's ability to provide its residents with much-needed environmental and recreational benefits.

Water quality and accessibility are areas of concern, with residents facing difficulties related to the purity and availability of drinking water.

• Green and Parks Quality - Green spaces in Phnom Penh are less developed, reflecting in low public perception of park availability and quality, affecting the city's livability and environmental appeal.
• Drinking Water Quality - Phnom Penh's drinking water quality is a significant concern, as residents report issues with both accessibility and potential contamination, highlighting the need for improved water management policies.

Pollution Rankings

Phnom Penh ranks 1st on the Pollution rankings in Cambodia. The pollution ranking for Cambodia is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

1. Phnom Penh

Cambodia