New York citizens are living day to day afraid of becoming victims of crime. Up to 61% admit to being worried about the possibility of being assaulted or robbed, while 41% of citizens report that they have "never" felt as insecure as they do now. In addition, 87% of residents indicated that crime is a serious problem in the state.

Fear for personal and family safety in public places in New York City

This is according to a survey by the Sienna College Research Institute (SCRI), which indicates that 21% of New Yorkers are "very concerned," while 40% admit to being "somewhat" uneasy about their personal safety. In addition, 51% of residents in the state have feared for their family's safety in public places, including schools, stores or places of worship. Likewise, 36% indicated that they have felt directly threatened by the behavior of strangers.

The poll also found that 41% of New Yorkers say they have "never been more concerned about their personal safety than they are today." In addition, 1 in 10 residents have been physically assaulted in the past year and 9% have been robbed at least once. Nearly 40% have witnessed violent or threatening behavior towards third parties in a public setting.

Most New Yorkers spend between $100 to $500 on security

This data explains why 40% of the state's residents have spent $100 or more since 2022 on goods or services. Twelve percent have even invested more than $500 to feel secure. One in three purchased security cameras (34%) or motion sensors (32%). A quarter have even hired professional surveillance for their homes. In addition, one in six New Yorkers have taken self-defense classes and 12% have purchased a fire arm to defend themselves.

SCRI Director Don Levy analyzed the data, noting that, for New Yorkers, "crime is not just something that happens to others far away. While 87% say crime is a serious problem in our state and 57% say it is a problem in their community, a disturbingly high 61% say that they are worried about it happening to them, a majority are concerned about themselves or their loved ones being safe in public places and many are taking steps to protect themselves as best they can..