Crime and Pollution in Beirut

Crime Data in Beirut

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Beirut's crime data presents a mixed perception of safety among its residents. Overall, concerns around crime have moderated, but issues such as corruption and property crimes still linger in the public's mind.

Residents generally feel safe during the day, but there is a slight increase in worry regarding safety during nighttime hours.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes in Beirut are not considered a major concern according to public perception, indicating a certain level of confidence in the safety of personal belongings and properties.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related crimes are perceived as a minor issue within Beirut. Although still present, they do not significantly disturb the public peace or safety mindset as reflected in residents' responses.
• Violent Crimes - Violent crimes are perceived to be relatively lower, suggesting that while there are occasional concerns, they are not predominant in the current societal narrative.
• Public Safety - Public safety in Beirut during daylight hours is perceived positively, with many residents expressing comfort and confidence in their daily environment. Nighttime, however, presents slight concerns, although these are not overwhelmingly negative.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - There is a strong perception that crime is increasing, driven more by complex social and economic factors rather than everyday incidents.
• Specific Fears - Concerns about car theft and being insulted or attacked are relatively low. However, there is a marked concern over the societal impacts of corruption and bribery, which is perceived as a significant problem impacting trust.

Summary of Crime in Beirut

Beirut's landscape of crime in 2024 is marked by a complex mix of moderate crime perception and significant corruption issues. While improvements in public safety are noted, focusing on reducing corruption and improving trust within the community will be vital moving forward.

Crime Rankings

Beirut ranks 1st on the Crime rankings in Lebanon. The crime ranking by city for Lebanon 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. Beirut

Lebanon

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Beirut faces significant environmental challenges, with air quality being a notable concern. High levels of PM2.5 and PM10 indicate substantial air pollution, impacting residents' health and quality of life.

Air quality is rated poorly, with negative perceptions overshadowing the city's environmental outlook due to industrial activity and urban factors.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - PM2.5 levels are alarmingly high, posing severe health risks, particularly for the young, elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - PM10 levels contribute further to Beirut's poor air quality, exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular health issues within the population.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Beirut struggles with substantial waste management challenges, and the community's dissatisfaction is pronounced. This results in negative perceptions regarding cleanliness and quality of public spaces.

Noise pollution remains a significant issue, with residents frequently exposed to high levels from traffic and urban activities.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - The public is largely dissatisfied with garbage disposal services, feeling that more effective systems are needed to improve cleanliness and waste management outcomes.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise in Beirut is prevalent, affecting daily life and contributing to the overall stress of living in a congested urban environment.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

The lack of quality green spaces is sorely felt in Beirut. This absence negatively impacts urban living and fails to provide residents with necessary recreational and relaxation areas.

While the drinking water quality is viewed less favorably, there is an accessible supply, though improvements are needed in both quality and perception.

• Green and Parks Quality - Green spaces in Beirut are perceived as lacking, with a need for more and better-maintained parks to enhance urban life.
• Drinking Water Quality - Drinking water in Beirut is of concern, as public perception is low, highlighting a need for continued improvements in water purification and distribution systems.

Pollution Rankings

Beirut ranks 1st on the Pollution rankings in Lebanon. The pollution ranking for Lebanon 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. Beirut

Lebanon