Crime and Pollution in Heraklion

Crime Data in Heraklion

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Heraklion showcases a remarkably safe environment according to its crime data. The city's crime levels are considered low, indicating effective community policing and a strong sense of security among residents.

Residents report feeling very safe both during the day and at night, highlighting the overall trust in their local environment and community.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crime concerns are minimal in Heraklion, with residents expressing little worry about car theft, home break-ins, and other property-related incidents. This suggests effective preventative measures by local law enforcement.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related problems do not appear to be a significant issue in Heraklion, with citizens voicing low levels of concern. This could reflect strong community programs and enforcement strategies that deter drug crime.
• Violent Crimes - Concerns about violent crimes are among the lowest, with Heraklion residents reporting minimal fear of assault or robbery. This contributes to the feeling of security that permeates the city.
• Public Safety - Public safety in Heraklion is rated highly by residents. There is a strong sense of security during both day and night, with low levels of fear impacting daily life. This positive perception is crucial for the city's appeal to tourists and new residents.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - While there is some concern that crime might be on the rise, these fears are relatively minor compared to other global cities. The overall sense of safety remains strong, showing confidence in the local authorities' abilities to manage crime.
• Specific Fears - Despite low overall crime concerns, specific fears such as minor theft and possible rising trend perceptions are still present. However, these are not prominent enough to affect the city’s overall safety image.

Summary of Crime in Heraklion

In summary, Heraklion presents itself as a safe and secure city with very low levels of crime. The proactive efforts in maintaining this status are evident, leading to a high safety rating and positive public sentiment.

Crime Rankings

The crime ranking by city for Greece 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. Athens

Greece

2. Thessaloniki

Greece

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Heraklion's air quality in 2024 is generally viewed positively, with many residents expressing satisfaction with the current conditions. The city's pollution index is low, suggesting effective management of environmental health.

The absence of significant PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants highlights Heraklion's success in maintaining clean air, which is a valuable asset for residents' health and overall quality of life.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - PM2.5 levels are negligible in Heraklion, eliminating serious health risks usually associated with fine particulate matter, and suggesting an environment conducive to outdoor activities.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - Similarly, PM10 particles are not present, reinforcing the city's air as being of high quality and low in airborne particulate pollutants.

Waste and Noise Pollution

While generally positive about Heraklion's environmental conditions, residents have noted some concerns regarding noise pollution, albeit these issues are not severe.

Garbage disposal services receive moderate approval, reflecting a decent level of satisfaction with waste management practices but pointing out areas for potential improvement.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Garbage disposal systems garner a moderate level of satisfaction, indicating operational efficiency but also room for enhancing service quality to improve cleanliness perceptions.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Whisperings of noise and light pollution exist, predominantly in busier urban areas, but these factors remain relatively controlled and are not major issues for most residents.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Heraklion's green spaces offer residents a welcome respite and are deemed satisfactory, although with potential for expansion and enhancement to meet community needs.

In terms of water quality, there is a slight divergence, with room for improving the perception of accessibility and cleanliness, which could augment the city’s environmental standing.

• Green and Parks Quality - While appreciated, Heraklion's parks and green spaces could benefit from further development to increase their role in residents' recreation and urban ecology.
• Drinking Water Quality - The quality of drinking water in Heraklion could be improved according to residents, suggesting that city authorities focus on enhancing water treatment and distribution systems.

Pollution Rankings

The pollution ranking for Greece 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. Thessaloniki

Greece

2. Athens

Greece