Crime in Park Slope

canyontothesky · May 2009

Since I asked this question in a thread that (completely appropriately) got closed, I thought, as the person who replied to my question suggested, I'd start a thread to ask about crime in Park Slope.

I'm moving to the Slope this week, coming from the Upper East Side where I regularly am out at midnight, 1, 2 am alone or with my dog, my boyfriend and I often go to Carl Shurz park during these hours, and have never had a problem, and I rarely feel unsafe. I picked Park Slope because I understood it to be a nearly identical neighborhood (crime wise). But after hearing stuff in the news, on these threads and the Internet in general, it seems like PS suffers from a lot of gun and knife related crime like mugging and robberies, a lot more than I thought happened here on the UES. Is this true?

Can anyone either affirm or allay my fears about this? How often do muggings occur? It seems like it can happen all over, on the most prime streets, at any time of day. It's not as though I don't keep my wits about me no matter where I am, but I do like to know about this kind of thing so I can plan accordingly.

I've also heard that a lot of problems occur on 8th ave and PPW, where it's more dimly lit and less populated, but I've even heard of problems happening in broad daylight there, too, and never realized Propsect Park was unsafe. So I'd extend the questions I have to include PP, and also about being there at night, for 9-1 off-leash hours, for example.

Thanks!

opossumqueen · May 2009

First off, don't panic. This is a very nice area!

Yes, muggings happen, but I don't feel unsafe here. Do I go for walks by myself (young, small female) late at night? No (partly b/c I'm not a late night person) but I wouldn't do that anywhere on a regular basis. I wouldn't walk around with headphone late at night, but that's about it.

I have a medium sized dog that I take out later and later as the temps rise and I don't feel unsafe on these walks that take us all over PS and neighboring areas. I probably avoid streets that aren't well lit, but that's about it. It's definitely not as crowded around here as late as it is on the UES, simply b/c there aren't nearly as many people and businesses, but it's a nice neighborhood.

There are a few muggings from time to time but this isn't exactly a crime heavy area. I think 8th Ave near GAP (Grand Army Plaza) is a bad spot for bikers b/c traffic heading to Flatbush is flying through and there have been several accidents there.

I used to live near that spot and yes, one of my neighbors was mugged in the afternoon, BUT it was inside the building lobby (doors weren't locked, bad situation) and no weapon was used and the same guy was hitting all boroughs according to the cops plus that was a while back.

scarlett · May 2009

I am often out that late on school nights and there are always people out on 7th avenue.

tnyc · May 2009

I think I can give you good perspective. I am currently on the UES and having been mugged twice in the past, (not in Park Slope and not UES) I cannot say I am as brave as you are. You must know that there is crime on the UES (everywhere for that matter) and you have to be sensible wherever you are. I am not sure that I would go into Carl Schurz Park during the hours you mention. On the UES there is a much later "go home" time than most neighborhoods. I think that is because the avenues have many 24 hour everythings, and the bars are really active. I do walk the avenues, first, second, third, Lex without a thought. York can be iffy late at night on the blocks that are not very commercial. Walking late night off the avenues, I tend to stick to the 'main" sidestreets, 72nd, 79th, 86th wider, well lit with many doorman buildings.
Park Slope is much the same, safer than most neighborhoods, but still be sensible. If I moved back to Brooklyn, it would be Park Slope again. You will love it.

hamilton · May 2009

you may want to contact the community affairs group at the 78th pct. 718 646 6410 , who have monthly meetings with the Captain and his staff ,they can give you a true picture of crime in the slope and adv. when their next meeting will be held, if your interested..

doldrums · May 2009

I have lived here 10 years without 1 incident. Nothing. Why don't you check the attached 78 pct statistics. BTW the only time I was ever mugged was in Manhattan.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/downloads/pdf/crime_statistics/cs078pct.pdf

j0518 · May 2009

Like anywhere, you utilize common sense. Our blocks are beautiful at night, but they're also quiet, especially residential blocks. Do I, a 160 lbs. guy who works out every day, go outside at night with headphones on? No. Do I try to be as aware of my surroundings as I can? Of course.

If you're smart, you're going to be fine. If you take your surroundings for granted, and let your guard down, well, you're opening yourself up.

I had my car window smashed and radio stolen on New Years. I had also gotten lazy for two years now and not removed my detachable face when not using my car. It was an unfortunate reminder to do so.

All of this, to me, would apply just as much on the UES as it does here. Welcome to the neighborhood.

brooklynjack · May 2009

So I guess you are forgetting the brutal murder of your next door neighbor Catherine Elizabeth Woods?

lo kee · May 2009

Park Slope is, quite literally, one of the safest neighborhoods in the safest large city on planet earth.

Respectfully, If you are intimidated by living in Park Slope, perhaps its time to move out of the city.

canyontothesky · May 2009

BrooklynJack wrote: So I guess you are forgetting the brutal murder of your next door neighbor Catherine Elizabeth Woods?

Quite literally my next door neighbor, actually. I'd never heard of her so I googled it and found out that her murder occurred in the building I live in! But I moved in two years after this. Anyway, her boyfriend allegedly murdered her, so I don't think that counts quite as the crime I was worried about.

carmen · May 2009

I lived in a pretty dicey block in bedstuy for 1.5 years, and have lived in park slope for over a year on two separate blocks. I haven't experienced any real issues in either place.

raw · May 2009

I've heard about non-violent break-ins during the day when residents were not home and bag snatchings at night on 7th and 5th avenues and semi-violent muggings near Grand Army Plaza and one sexual attack at a subway station. However, I rarely feel fearful.

jimmy · May 2009

I've been here three years now, and I've never had any sort of problems (granted, I'm a 6'0", 200 lb guy) but I've got two female roommates and they've never had anything happen either. Just don't do stupid things (walk around drunk at 3 am...) and you'll probably be fine.

Having said that, where you're living or hanging out can make a huge difference. Walk the "wrong" direction for a few blocks and you can go from a very nice, safe neighborhood into a pretty dodgy one, real quick.

Be smart and you'll be fine.

longtimesloper · May 2009

I have lived here for over 20 years and have never been mugged, though, my oldest child was mugged twice many years ago, and, yes, it was near the park. In that case, it was teen on teen crime, a bunch of kids grabbed him and a friend and took their wallets, cell phones, etc. and ran off to the park. So, yes, crime happens here, it happens everywhere.

But, park Slope is a very safe neighborhood and i don't walk around in fear. if it is very very late at night, yes, i would be cautious about walking on dark side streets or streets right near the park, but, i would be like that in any neighborhood. if I was on one of the bustling avenues, no, no fear. In general, safe neighborhood? yes, very.

vidro3 · May 2009

I was going to say something similar. There is not much crime here but it does happen, and areas adjacent to the park are usually more risky. I've walked from the north slope to windsor terrace in the wee hours of the morning and usually I hardly ever see anyone else. I still choose to walk down 5th or 7th aves rather than PPW, it's just too easy for someone to come up on you, take your wallet and then disappear into the park.

armchair_warrior · May 2009

problem with crime is also about perception of crime, maybe you read more about it in park slope cause the folks here are younger and they tend to also be online writers and other folks who write blogs more often than folks up there.

peanuts · May 2009

I don't find this neighborhood unsafe - of course muggings happen. I am not as brave as you, but I have walked home from the subway at night. Would I go to any park alone late at night - no.

jamzer · May 2009

This city is pretty safe, but it still makes sense to show good judgement. Keep your doors locked. Don't walk alone at night, especially if you have been drinking. Take a cab if you have to. Avoid confrontations. Again, use good judgement and you should be fine.

willregistersoon · May 2009

I was mugged at gunpoint literally on my first night of moving to Park Slope. This was about 10 years ago. (I believe the gun may have been fake but I wasn't taking any chances). It was on Carroll St between 8th and PPW and happened around 6pm on a Sunday night in daylight.

It definitely changed my perception of my own safety on the streets in general - not only Park Slope. I'm much more cautious when walking around and don't take my safety for granted anymore. That said, Park Slope is just about as safe as you can get in this city.

lemadi · May 2009

Crime is every where in this city - you are only safe if you are aware.
Never get yourself backed in a corner. Walk closer to the curb rather than the builds/walls. Don't always walk home the same way, especially if you see critters hanging out that are up to no good. Stay on the busier streets.
If you are being mugged - Never, Ever let them walk you to a secluded place.
Give them what they want right out in the open, if they try to force you some place Fight/Run Like the dickens

arieshine · June 2009

I feel a little sketched out coming home late from the 15th St F. PPW gets quiet really quickly, and the streets that get cutoff by the expressway are virtually deserted. I've never been approached, but I'm well aware that I'm the only person around should something happen.

That being said, I feel very safe in Park Slope. I just wish I lived in it.

witch-king · June 2009

Cop on cop violence is low in Park Slope.

Crime in Park Slope

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