Crime and Pollution in Arecibo

Crime Data in Arecibo

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Arecibo, Puerto Rico faces significant challenges regarding crime, with a high index of 63.77 indicating elevated levels of criminal activity and public concern.

Residents express heightened anxiety about personal safety at night, with worries about property crimes and attacks contributing to this sense of unease.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes, such as theft and home break-ins, are pressing issues in Arecibo. The public's fear about these crimes reflects a continued concern about their prevalence and impact on community safety.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related problems are seen as a major concern in Arecibo, with nearly half the population acknowledging it as a significant issue affecting community safety and public health.
• Violent Crimes - Concerns about violent crimes, including mugging and assault, are moderate, but they contribute to an overarching feeling of insecurity among residents in Arecibo.
• Public Safety - The sense of safety is notably low at night, with residents feeling vulnerable. During the day, perceptions are slightly better, but there's still a considerable amount of caution.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - Crime is perceived as increasing, which amplifies public worries and underscores the need for targeted interventions by local authorities to restore a sense of safety.
• Specific Fears - There is a significant fear of theft and the impact of drug-related issues. Interestingly, fears of being attacked for racial, ethnic, or religious reasons are low, showing specific areas where safety concerns are less pronounced.

Summary of Crime in Arecibo

While violent crime concerns remain moderate, the issues surrounding property crime and drug offenses are strikingly prominent. Addressing these through community and law enforcement partnerships remains crucial to enhancing Arecibo's public safety outlook.

Crime Rankings

The crime ranking by city for Puerto Rico 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. San Juan

Puerto Rico

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Arecibo's pollution profile in 2024 indicates moderate air quality with some progress but continued concerns about environmental health.

Residents recognize improvements in some areas but voice significant concerns about noise pollution and waste management issues.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - The PM2.5 levels are notably low, suggesting minimal immediate health risks from fine particulate matter, which positively affects air quality perceptions.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - Similarly, PM10 levels are also low, reinforcing the city's relatively moderate overall pollution index and reflecting positive elements for the city's air quality.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Arecibo struggles with significant noise pollution, partly due to urban activity that disrupts the comfort and peace of its residents.

Garbage disposal practices leave much to be desired, resulting in dissatisfaction with the cleanliness and tidiness of the city.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - The dissatisfaction with garbage disposal services is clear, with residents highlighting areas where improvement is needed to enhance the city's cleanliness and aesthetic appeal.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise pollution remains a critical issue in Arecibo, disrupting residents' daily lives and undermining environmental quality and overall living conditions.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

The limited quality of green spaces in Arecibo impacts the city’s environmental and recreational landscape, although parks and recreational areas are still valued by the community.

The drinking water quality receives mixed reviews but is generally considered satisfactory, offering a reliable source of clean water for residents.

• Green and Parks Quality - While green spaces are appreciated, their quality could see meaningful improvements to better serve the community's health and leisure needs.
• Drinking Water Quality - Drinking water quality is seen as approachable, ensuring residents' needs are met efficiently, though there are opportunities to improve public satisfaction.