Feeling safe and secure in Niagara

The General Social Survey (2004) asked those over 15 in Niagara about their feelings of safety staying home alone in the evening or at night.

InNiagara, 19% said they felt worried and 80% were not at all worried. Of the Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) reporting, the lowest ratings were fromSaint Johns(14% worried; 85% not at all). Those reporting being the most worried were fromWindsor(27%) andOshawa(26%).
When asked about their feelings of safety waiting for or using public transportation alone after dark 13% inNiagara reported feeling worried and 14% were not at all worried. Of the CMAs reporting, the lowest ratings were inSaint Johns (7% worried; 14% not at all). The most worried were from large cities:Toronto (26%),Winnipeg (26%), andVancouver (30%).
When asked about their feelings of safety walking alone in the neighbourhood after dark in Niagara, 32% reported feeling very safe; 42% reasonably safe; 13% somewhat safe, and14% would not walk alone after dark.
When asked about their perception of the job being done by local police in enforcing laws 56% said they did a good job (lower than other CMAs); 34% an average job; and 6%% felt they did a poor job.

In a 2007 survey of 474 residents conducted by United Waysin Niagara South and Fort Erie40% disagreed and 60% agreed with the statement “I lack a feeling of safety and security in my community.”

In a Community Satisfaction and Business Plan survey (NRPS, 2010) people in Niagara reported they were very satisfied with the level of policing and felt safe in their communities.