Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands that offers its visitors stunning canals and historic centres. All people who are planning a trip or migrating to a certain city always think about security and crime rates. In this article, we shall explain if it is safe to live in Amsterdam, or not and equip you with the right information you may need to come to a conclusion on the same.
Understanding Crime Rates
Crime is usually measured in cities but can be quite different and it is important to know how it is measured. A more general measure that is frequently applied in order to determine rates of crime is the total number of crimes that have been stated per one hundred thousand of the given territory population. This measurement involves all sorts of crimes such as theft, assaulting others, burgling and offenses involving substances such as narcotics.
Amsterdam’s Crime Rate
Taking into account other large settlements of Europe and other states, the level of crime in Amsterdam, in most cases, is significantly lower. As you must know, there are no cities without any form of criminality, however, Amsterdam has ensured the safety of the inhabitants and tourists.
Looking at the most recent data, it became obvious that the crime rate in the city of Amsterdam is 5,000/100000. This puts it in lower levels than the average for major cities in both Europe and the United States.
The Effect of Tourism
Amsterdam is considered as one of the most important tourisms centers throughout the world hosting as much as millions of tourists every year. From tourists, there is a realization that they may also contribute a little to change the overall crime averages. Small scale theft including pick pocketing and bag snatching are prevalent in core city areas and other areas frequented by tourists.
In order to prevent the occurrence of tourism related crime, the city has deployed more policemen in areas that are likely to be crowded during tourism, provided surveillance systems and informed tourists how to conduct themselves. It is, therefore, important to take basic safety measures of protecting what you have, and where you are, from the vices that come with petty crimes.
A little edited and restructuring; Safe Areas in Amsterdam
Even though,crime level in the overall city of Amsterdam is quite low, there are still some districts which are safer than others. Here are a few examples:
Jordaan: Jordaan is preferred by tourists and citizens as a safe area to live and walk thanks to the beautiful canals, and walking with the shops.
Oud-Zuid: Oud-Zuid is another well-to-do and safe area containing Museumplein and the Vondelpark, in fact, some of the city’s most well-known tourist attractions.
De Pijp: De Pijp, well-known for the Albert Cuyp Market and the wide choice of local food offering, is comparatively safe neighborhood which attracts both locals and guest.
These are few of them only and also the condition may change from one street to another in the same locality. When it comes to the certain neighborhood or city, it is always wise to check few areas and ask locals or certain real estate agents.
Additional Safety Tips
However, no matter where one intends to travel, they should always personalize safety as a goal. Here are some general safety tips to keep in mind when visiting or residing in Amsterdam:
Protect your items of value and carry important documents and money safely during crowded places or buses and such areas.
Stay away from anybody who tries to make direct contact with you, whether to offer you something or asking for a favour.
Utilise clearer and busy streets, especially at night.
Do not carry bulky jewelry or large amounts of money on your person at any one time.
It’s urgent to respect the local rules and legislation particularly as regards drugs and night leisure activities.
Get acquainted with the existing scams or tourist-related crimes from official channels.
Conclusion
Amsterdam is said to be a safe city with compared to other big cities the crime rate is not very high. As for the safety, it is crucial to stay careful as the tourist; otherwise, as a prospective residence, the city responds with cautious great measures and really good districts. If only basic safety guidelines are adhered to and people are conscious of their environment, there is no reason why anyone would not thoroughly revel in all the wonderful things that Amsterdam has to offer.
