Crime and Pollution in Negombo

Crime Data in Negombo

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Negombo's crime data highlights significant concerns among residents, with the city experiencing a high crime index level. Concerns about safety are prevalent, particularly regarding violent crimes and drug-related issues.

Safety perceptions differ dramatically between daylight and nighttime, with residents feeling relatively secure during the day while expressing heightened fear after dark.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes, such as home burglaries, car theft, and break-ins, are notable concerns for the people of Negombo. The anxiety surrounding these crimes is substantial, with numerous residents expressing fear of property theft.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related crimes stand out as one of the foremost public safety concerns in Negombo. Public opinion reflects apprehension about the impact of drug activity on community safety, with many residents troubled by these crimes.
• Violent Crimes - Violent crimes are a significant worry for residents of Negombo, with many reporting fears of being mugged or attacked. These concerns are amplified by incidents of physical violence, which contribute to the city's high crime perception.
• Public Safety - During daylight hours, the people of Negombo generally feel secure enough to go about their daily activities without significant worry. However, perceptions of safety decline sharply at night, attributed to fear of violent crimes and robberies.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - The perception that crime may be increasing is an issue in some areas of Negombo, with particular concerns focused on corruption and bribery. These elements add to the complex crime landscape the city faces.
• Specific Fears - Specific fears revolve around violent confrontations, such as being mugged or insulted, with additional worries tied to ethnic or religious tensions. Such issues highlight a need for more community-focused safety initiatives.

Summary of Crime in Negombo

While Negombo grapples with issues related to violent and property crimes, there is an ongoing effort to address these through increased security measures and community programs. The consistent fear of violent crime points to a critical area for future safety improvements.

Crime Rankings

The crime ranking by city for Sri Lanka 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. Colombo

Sri Lanka

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Despite efforts to mitigate pollution, Negombo faces significant challenges related to air quality in 2024. Emissions from various sources contribute to moderate pollution levels, affecting public health perception.

Residents have voiced concerns about the air quality, which remains a pressing issue. The impact of air pollution is felt most strongly in densely populated and industrialized areas.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - The PM2.5 levels indicate a need for improvement, serving as a persistent health risk, particularly affecting those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - Similarly, PM10 levels are a concern, though immediate threats are less pronounced. Nonetheless, these particulate matters contribute to the overall perception of poor air quality.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a challenge in Negombo, with busy urban centers contributing significantly to public dissatisfaction.

Garbage disposal and cleanliness are major concerns, with reports of inefficiencies in waste management affecting daily life and perceptions of hygiene.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Negombo residents express dissatisfaction with garbage disposal services, with considerable room for improvement in waste management strategies.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise pollution, mainly from traffic and urban activities, is reported to significantly impact quality of life, indicating a need for effective noise control measures.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

While Negombo does have some green spaces, their quality is an area of concern for residents. Despite the challenges, these areas are critical for recreation and environmental health.

Drinking water quality, although improved, still presents issues concerning access and purity, highlighting the need for improved water management systems.

• Green and Parks Quality - The quality of green spaces and parks in Negombo is perceived as lacking, with residents desiring better maintenance and development of these vital areas.
• Drinking Water Quality - Drinking water quality is a notable issue, with residents citing occasional access and contamination problems. Addressing these would enhance the city's livability.

Pollution Rankings

The pollution ranking for Sri Lanka 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. Colombo

Sri Lanka