Los Angeles is one of the most popular places to visit in the United States. The city has so many amazing things to offer. But unfortunately, a safe travel experience is not one of them.
In January, FEMA stated that Los Angeles is the single most dangerous area in the country. Therefore, anybody visiting Los Angeles needs to appreciate the risks and plan accordingly.
You need to take the right steps if you do fall victim to a crime, suffer from a car accident or face another issue. This includes working with an attorney if you were violently assaulted or in an accident.
Injuries are very common in Los Angeles. Sadly, tourists are some of the most vulnerable. If you suffer from an accident or violent crime, then working with an attorney must be your first priority. In case of an injury or accident, visit here to contact an expert Los Angeles personal injury lawyer team for immediate advice and assistance.
However, it is best to take preventive measures ahead of time. Here are the top five tips to help you during your stay.
Guidelines for staying safe while living in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has never been an exceptionally safe city. Over the past year, there have been over 20,000 violent crimes. Crime rates have fallen a little bit since 2019, but they are still worrisome.
Are you planning on taking a trip to Los Angeles? Here are some essential tips to help keep you safe.
1. Know the two most dangerous parts of Los Angeles to avoid
Source: unsplash.com
When you are in any major city, you must be aware of the dangerous zones. Every city across the world will have certain dangerous areas where you need to be extra careful and do not venture into these areas unnecessarily.
Los Angeles has a couple of dangerous parts of the city that you should avoid at all costs.
The first place to avoid is Skid Row. This is a part of the city that is populated by around 20,000 homeless people. Most of them don’t have any bad intentions and will ask for money. However, some of them might certainly try to mug you if you don’t keep your distance and spend too much time in the area.
It is easy to end up in Skid Row. It is very close to many popular tourist attractions, such as the home of the Los Angeles Lakers. There are also not any noticeable signs to designate the area.
The other part of the city to avoid is South Central.
is a lot more dangerous than Skid Row. While the homeless residents on Skid Row might hassle you for money, they most likely won’t bother you too much unless you get unlucky.
South Central is home to many dangerous gangs. They might not hesitate to rob or sexually assault hapless tourists that don’t know to be on their guard.
2. Stay alert at night
Source: unsplash.com
Some parts of Los Angeles are very dangerous. However, the entire city can be unsafe in the evening.
The evening is not the time to be burying your head in your smartphone or spending countless minutes staring at major attractions. Muggers, pickpockets and worst criminals spend their time near tourist attractions. They are more likely to come out in the evening when they can conceal themselves more easily. They look out for people that are not paying attention and snatch their purses and wallets, mug or assault them.
3. Don’t make yourself look like an attractive target to criminals
Source: unsplash.com
Criminals in Los Angeles want to get a decent payoff for the risk that they are taking. They don’t want to risk imprisonment trying to rob somebody that doesn’t have any money. Instead, they focus on people that look like they are rich.
If you are trying to avoid getting mugged in Los Angeles, you should avoid making yourself an appealing target. For example, you don’t want to dress in flashy, expensive clothes if you don’t need to for a specific venue you are visiting. You also need to be careful about showing off your money. Make it a point to carry only that much amount of money that you will need on the day-out. Leave the rest in the safe. And be very careful when you open your wallet to pay.
4. Blend in with the locals to avoid being targeted
Source: unsplash.com
You might be a tourist, but you don’t want to look like one. Muggers recognize that tourists are more vulnerable. They don’t know where the police stations are, what parts of the city are dangerous, or telltale signs of local gangs. They also tend to be more naïve.
You will be less likely to be mugged or otherwise victimized if you don’t look the part. Make yourself look as much of a local as possible. Wear similar clothing, don’t carry a city guide map unless you really need it and don’t openly post about being from out of town to everybody in listening distance.
5. Recognize the ruses that pickpockets use
Source: unsplash.com
Pickpockets and muggers use a variety of ruses to trick their victims. These include bumping into them on purpose, dropping things they want you to bend over to pick up or pretending to start a confrontation while taking your wallet while you were off guard. Some will even get a co-conspirator to distract you while the other takes your money.
Pay attention to these potential red flags. You’ll be more likely to have your money stolen if you fall for them. Do not feel scared about stepping out because Los Angeles is a beautiful destination to explore. However, it helps to be alert. Keep a watch on where you are headed, who you are surrounded by and do not carry expensive items or a lot of cash with you. Try to act like a local if you feel something suspicious and do not panic. Stay calm and try your best to handle the situation.
