You find a perfect property to purchase. All the numbers are right. You have everything in place yet you have this sinking feeling that this might not be a great area to invest in. If only there was a way you could get the history of the crimes that have been committed in the area.
Well, the only way that you were able to find out this information in the past was to go to the local police department and ask for local crime stats. To this day I do not know of anyone who has ever gone to the police department to research the criminal activity in an area for a giving period of time. It’s just a hassle to go get this info.
I came across a couple of websites sometime ago:
- CrimeMapping.com – (Read Our BiggerPockets Review of CrimeMapping)
- CrimeReports.com
They’re great websites that lets you see everything that has been going in a particular area within a certain time period. If you know how to use Google maps then you can use these sites and they’re free. Some individual departments have their crime reporting on their own websites like the LAPD but it’s nice to have all the info right at your fingertips in one location.
Find out what’s been going on in your block while you sleep or see what has been going on in your entire city.
Go on there and see if your city is reporting. If not you just have to wait and just lock your door, lol.
Good luck in all you do America. I welcome your comments.
Note From the Editor: You can also petition your local departments to participate on such sites for the benefit of the community . . . something to think about.
Photo: Sarah Baker
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Article Author: Winston WestbrookWinston has written 21 articles for us.
Visit Winston's Website: http://www.westbrooknational.com
Winston Westbrook is broker & owner of Westbrook National Real Estate Company servicing the cities of Victorville, Spring Valley Lake, Adelanto, Hesperia, Apple Valley & the surrounding Victor Valley High Desert communities of So. California. Specializing in short sale and distressed properties.
Joshua Dorkin
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a good tip.
Nothing like buying a house and then finding out a Meth lab is next door or 3 sex offenders live down the street.
Jim, Thanks for commenting. Yes you are right. A little research can go a long way. It also helps to research the crime that has occurred at the exact house you are purchasing. Sometimes questionable characters like to come and visit their old stomping grounds.
Hi Winston,
This is not a topic I know much about, as I invest in the same geographical areas. As a result, I often do not have to do research into crime stats, as I am aware of them already for my particular area.
However, point well taken.
Another suggestion that I think would be beneficial to those unsure about an area, is to talk to local residents.
About a year ago, I purchased in a transitional area of Toronto, although this area was on the ‘up and up’, I spoke to a few local residents who were able to give me the history on the crime of the area. They were even able to break things down for me block by block to let me know what areas were more problematic than others.
Even to the point where they told me, “Neil, anything to the west of street X is good, anything east of street x is really sketchy.”
I took their advice. I went to go check out east of street x, and I have never gone back! lol.
Regards,
Neil.
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Neil, Thanks for your comment. I loved it. Well said.
It is interesting to me that more people dont look this up when they move. Some agents are afraid to provide the information since they don’t want to violate the fair and equal housing laws. I also think that some MLSes prevent people from adding this information to their listings map or their website.
-Tyler
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Tyler, Thank you for your comment. Yes, not too many people look up the crime stats on a property. Sometimes it comes back to bite them in the you know what. An ounce of prevention I always say