Myrtle Beach, a beautiful seaside town in South Carolina, has recently garnered headlines for the wrong reasons. Despite its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and welcoming people, this picturesque city has found itself in an uncomfortable situation. A new analysis ranks Myrtle Beach as the third most dangerous city in the Carolina.
The Numbers Do Not Lie
Let us look into the statistics. Myrtle Beach, with a population of around 38,253, is ranked in the 15th percentile for safety, which means that only 15% of cities are more dangerous. But what factors lead to this worrisome statistic?
Crime Rate: On average, Myrtle Beach has 51.08 crimes per 1,000 residents. However, the figure varies greatly depending on the neighborhood. In the eastern areas of the city, the risk of becoming a victim of crime can be as high as 1 in 7, while in the southwest, it reduces to 1 in 43.
Property Crimes: Myrtle Beach has a high rate of property crimes. Residents have a one-in-82 risk of becoming victims of theft, burglary, or other property-related crimes.
What Are the Most Common Types of Crimes in Myrtle Beach?
The most common types of crime in Myrtle Beach are:
Property Crime: Property crime is still one of the most common offenses in Myrtle Beach, accounting for over 90% of total offenses. This category covers crimes such as larceny, burglary, and auto theft, with larceny being the most common sort of property crime in the city.
Larceny: Larceny is the most prevalent sort of property crime in Myrtle Beach. In 2019, there were 3,384 reported larcenies in the city, resulting in 9,707 incidences per 100,000 people.
Burglary: Burglary is another major property crime in Myrtle Beach, with 304 reported break-ins in 2019, resulting in 872 incidences per 100,000 residents.
Motor Vehicle Theft: Motor vehicle theft is also a common crime in Myrtle Beach, with 228 documented instances in 2019, resulting in 654 thefts per 100,000 residents.
Violent Crime: While violent crime makes up a lesser percentage of total reported crimes in Myrtle Beach, it remains a major worry. In 2019, the city reported 415 violent crimes, the most common of which was aggravated assault, followed by robbery, rape, and murder.
These crime data emphasize the high prevalence of property crimes in Myrtle Beach, including larceny, burglary, and motor vehicle theft, underlining the need for ongoing efforts to address these issues and improve community safety.
What are the main factors that contribute to the high crime rate in Myrtle Beach?
The key causes leading to Myrtle Beach’s high crime rate are:
Transient Population: Myrtle Beach has a tremendous influx of visitors, with the population growing to over 19 million tourists each year. This temporary character, along with a relatively low year-round population, can distort crime statistics and result in a higher crime rate.
Location and Tourism: Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist destination, attracting up to 500,000 tourists over peak weekends such as Memorial Day. This surge, combined with the cyclical nature of tourism, may lead to increased criminal behavior, particularly in areas such as beach parking lots.
Drug-Related Crimes: The city has encountered issues from the drug trade, gang activity, and incidents involving visitors. Drug-related crimes, assaults, and robberies, which are frequently associated with active drug sales, have all contributed significantly to Myrtle Beach’s crime statistics.
Historical Crime Rates: Despite efforts to reduce crime, historical data indicates that Myrtle Beach has had relatively high crime rates. However, recent figures show that violent and property crime rates have decreased as a result of more aggressive policing and community engagement.
Community Safety Measures: The city has taken proactive steps to combat crime, such as establishing specialized police teams, increasing patrols with electric cars, bicycles, and Segways, and improving crime prevention strategies such as encouraging residents and visitors to report suspicious activity and lock their vehicles.
These elements combined contribute to Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a city with a high crime rate, underlining the importance of continual efforts to address safety concerns and improve the community’s overall security.
What Are the Most Common Locations for Crime in Myrtle Beach?
The most typical areas where crime happens in Myrtle Beach are:
Beach Parking Lots: Because of the large number of tourists and visitors, beach parking lots are frequently targeted for crimes such as theft, vandalism, and vehicle break-in. The transient nature of the people in these places makes them susceptible to criminal activity.
Tourism-Heavy Areas: Areas with a large number of tourists, such as the boardwalk and seaside districts, are also hot spots for crime in Myrtle Beach. Assaults, thefts, and disturbances are all possible incidents in these major tourist destinations.
Downtown Myrtle Beach, particularly during peak tourist seasons, may see greater instances of criminal activity. The combination of inhabitants, visitors, and businesses in this region can lead to crimes such as theft, violence, and property damage.
Residential Neighborhoods: Although crime rates in Myrtle Beach have fallen, residential neighborhoods continue to be targeted for property crimes such as burglaries and thefts. Residents must be attentive and take the appropriate precautions to protect their homes and property.
Understanding the prevalent locations where crime occurs in Myrtle Beach allows people and authorities to focus on developing targeted safety measures and policing techniques to address and minimize criminal activity in those regions.