Crime and Pollution in Bogota

Crime Data in Bogota

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Bogota continues to grapple with significant crime-related challenges, reflecting high levels of public concern, particularly around violent and property crimes.

Safety perceptions are notably low, with residents expressing heightened fears of personal and property risks, both during the day and night.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes, including theft and burglary, are significant concerns for Bogotans, as reflected in public anxiety and the extensive perception of crime increases across the city.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related activities are a major issue in Bogota, contributing to broader safety concerns and community unrest. The public perceives these problems as persisting and even exacerbating crime conditions.
• Violent Crimes - There is a pronounced fear of violent crimes in Bogota, with residents particularly worried about muggings and attacks, indicating a pressing need for enhanced security measures.
• Public Safety - Public safety is a critical issue in Bogota, with many feeling unsafe, especially at night. This perception is compounded by a low sense of security during daylight hours, demanding more effective public safety strategies.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - The perception that crime rates are climbing is widespread in Bogota, with contributors expressing concern over the increasing prevalence of corruption, bribery, and other crimes.
• Specific Fears - While there are specific fears related to violent encounters, worries about theft and the risk of drug-related crimes are also predominant. Trust in public safety measures remains low among residents.

Summary of Crime in Bogota

Bogota faces substantial crime challenges, particularly in combating violent and property crimes. Efforts to bolster law enforcement presence and community initiatives are crucial to enhancing safety perceptions.

Need for continued attention to corruption and bribery as they significantly affect public trust and contribute to the city's broader crime dilemma.

Crime Rankings

Bogota ranks 2nd on the Crime rankings in Colombia. The crime ranking by city for Colombia 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. Cali

Colombia

2. Bogota

Colombia

3. Medellin

Colombia

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Despite advancements, air quality in Bogota remains a pressing concern, influenced by high levels of particulate matter, primarily from vehicular emissions and industrial activities.

The city's air quality is rated poorly, with considerable worries about health impacts related to long-term exposure to pollutants.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - Bogota's PM2.5 levels are significant enough to pose health concerns, affecting particularly sensitive populations and contributing to broader air quality issues.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - PM10 levels in Bogota are notably high, exacerbating overall pollution concerns and impacting daily life and health.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a prevalent issue in Bogota, largely driven by urban activities, including traffic and construction, which adversely affect residents' quality of life.

Garbage disposal remains a challenge, with public dissatisfaction over waste management practices contributing to negative perceptions of the city's cleanliness.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - The inefficacies in garbage disposal systems have led to widespread dissatisfaction among Bogotans, impacting the city's image and environmental health.
• Noise and Light Pollution - High levels of noise pollution in Bogota diminish the urban experience, with residents frequently expressing concerns over constant disruption in their daily lives.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Bogota's parks and green spaces offer essential environmental and recreational benefits, though the quality and accessibility of these areas remain a topic of public discourse.

Drinking water quality in Bogota is viewed positively, providing a major benefit to city residents amidst other environmental challenges.

• Green and Parks Quality - The limited satisfaction with green spaces highlights the need for improved management and expansion to accommodate community needs.
• Drinking Water Quality - High satisfaction with drinking water quality reflects a positive aspect of Bogota's environmental conditions, contributing to overall urban livability.

Pollution Rankings

Bogota ranks 1st on the Pollution rankings in Colombia. The pollution ranking for Colombia 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. Bogota

Colombia

2. Medellin

Colombia