Crime and Pollution in Cartagena

Crime Data in Cartagena

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Cartagena's crime statistics indicate a moderate level of concern among residents. Although the city enjoys relative safety during daylight, concerns over crime persist, particularly at night.

The perception of crime increasing in certain areas contributes to the heightened anxiety among inhabitants, necessitating ongoing vigilance.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes appear to be less of a concern compared to other issues in Cartagena. However, residents still worry about theft, demonstrated by the moderate level of anxiety over cars and homes being broken into.
• Drug-Related Issues - Although drug-related issues are not seen as the most pressing problem in Cartagena, there is a recognition of their potential impact on public safety, requiring continued attention.
• Violent Crimes - Violent crimes evoke significant concern, with mugging and assault being notable issues affecting public perception. Safety concerns are more pronounced during the night.
• Public Safety - The sense of safety in Cartagena shifts noticeably between day and night. While daylight hours are generally perceived as safe, caution increases significantly after sunset due to fears of robbery and violence.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - An increasing concern for Cartagena residents is the perception that crime is on the rise, particularly with regards to violent incidents and corruption, underscoring the need for strengthened public security measures.
• Specific Fears - While race, ethnic, or religious discrimination appears to be a lesser concern, the fear of being mugged or robbed is prominent, pointing to the enduring challenge of managing violent crime.

Summary of Crime in Cartagena

Despite a challenging crime landscape, Cartagena continues to focus on improving public safety, with initiatives addressing violent and property crimes. Maintaining efforts to combat rising crime perceptions is crucial for enhancing residents' sense of security.

Crime Rankings

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

Cartagena has made efforts to improve its air quality, achieving moderately positive sentiments regarding the atmosphere of the city. However, environmental challenges persist due to industrial activities and vehicle emissions.

Overall air quality is rated as moderate, with ongoing public concerns over pollution's health implications.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - PM2.5 levels are reported at zero, indicating an absence of fine particulate pollution concerns, a significant positive for the city's air health.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - Similarly, PM10 levels are also at zero, suggesting that coarse particles are not currently an issue for Cartagena's air quality.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution remains a moderate issue, particularly in urban areas, affecting residents’ comfort levels.

Garbage disposal proves problematic in parts of the city, impacting perceptions of cleanliness and tidiness negatively.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Satisfaction with garbage disposal is low, with many residents expressing dissatisfaction over waste management practices and their implementation across Cartagena.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise pollution is a concern, especially in bustling areas, which can disturb daily life and contribute to broader urban livability issues.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Cartagena's green spaces are currently viewed negatively, highlighting the need for improvement in public park areas to better serve the community's recreational and environmental needs.

Conversely, drinking water quality is perceived positively, with good accessibility and minimal contamination concerns, bolstering overall quality of life.

• Green and Parks Quality - Green spaces in Cartagena currently suffer from negative perceptions, suggesting insufficient maintenance or availability, indicating a need for urban development focus.
• Drinking Water Quality - The quality and accessibility of drinking water in Cartagena are considered strong, providing a reliable and safe resource for residents.

Pollution Rankings

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