Crime and Pollution in Quito

Crime Data in Quito

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Quito continues to grapple with significant crime-related challenges. The city's crime index is high, suggesting considerable apprehension among its residents about their safety.

The perception of increasing crime rates is a notable concern, with many residents feeling vulnerable, especially during nighttime.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes, including theft and car-related incidents, pose a significant threat to residents in Quito. These crimes contribute greatly to the overall sense of insecurity in the city.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related crime remains a challenge within Quito, contributing to the broader concerns about safety and community well-being. Addressing these issues is essential for improving the neighborhood environment.
• Violent Crimes - There is a considerable level of anxiety regarding violent crimes such as mugging and robbery. These fears are particularly potent, reflecting in the high level of concern voiced by the community.
• Public Safety - Residents often feel unsafe after dark, with a pronounced fear of violent encounters. During daylight, the feeling of safety improves slightly but remains a concern.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - A strong perception among Quito's residents is that crime is on the rise, driven by issues like corruption and bribery which exacerbate the situation.
• Specific Fears - Specific fears include the potential for insults or attacks based on race, ethnicity, or religion, although these concerns are not as prominent as those revolving around property crimes and violence.

Summary of Crime in Quito

Despite persistent challenges, efforts to combat crime in Quito must address both violent and property-related issues. Tackling corruption will also play a crucial role in enhancing public safety.

Crime Rankings

Quito ranks 2nd on the Crime rankings in Ecuador. The crime ranking by city for Ecuador 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.

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Quito faces significant air quality issues, with pollution primarily stemming from vehicle emissions and other urban factors. Residents express concern over the health implications of this pollution.

Air quality indices suggest a detrimental impact on the environment, highlighting the need for continued interventions.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - PM2.5 levels in Quito exceed the optimal range, posing health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. This underscores the urgency of improving air quality.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - PM10 readings are also relatively high, contributing to the overall poor air quality situation in the city. Efforts to monitor and address these levels are critical.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a prevalent issue in Quito, affecting the quality of life in various neighborhoods where urban noise is coupled with light pollution.

Waste management satisfaction is moderate, with certain areas experiencing issues related to garbage collection and maintenance.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - The city struggles with satisfactory garbage disposal, leading to dissatisfaction among areas where waste management is less effective.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise and light pollution persist as challenges, particularly in urban centers, affecting residents’ day-to-day life and overall satisfaction.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Quito's green spaces provide essential environmental benefits and are valued by residents for their contribution to the city's livability.

Despite positive perceptions concerning green spaces, water quality remains an area of concern, with accessibility and purity not meeting the desired standards.

• Green and Parks Quality - The quality of Quito's parks and green areas is perceived positively, offering respite and recreational options to its residents.
• Drinking Water Quality - While drinking water quality is viewed moderately, it remains a focal point for improvement to ensure it meets public expectations and health standards.

Pollution Rankings

Quito ranks 2nd on the Pollution rankings in Ecuador. The pollution ranking for Ecuador 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.