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Is Charleston a Safe Place to Visit? An In-depth Look at Crime in Charleston and the Best Practices to Stay Safe

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Is Charleston a Safe Place to Visit? An In-depth Look at Crime in Charleston and the Best Practices to Stay Safe

With its incredibly vibrant architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals, Charleston is the perfect destination to get away and relax. That said, in light of recent crime statistics and police force reports, there’s a lingering question: Is Charleston a safe place to go?

The answer to this question is a bit complex. While it offers countless opportunities, it’s also a place where you must remain aware of your surroundings. The good news is that with the right precautionary measures, you can still have an enjoyable, safe experience in Charleston. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind as you plan your trip.

Understand the Crime Rate in Charleston

The best way to prepare for a safe visit is to educate yourself about the level of crime in the city. According to City-Data.com, Charleston has a moderate crime rate and ranked 14th among other cities in South Carolina for the occurrence of violent crimes. That said, crime has been increasing in the area over the past few years, particularly when it comes to property-related offenses such as robbery, burglary, theft, and arson.

Be Vigilant and Watch Your Surroundings

In order to stay safe while visiting Charleston, you’ll need to keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to details such as people around you that seem suspicious or any area that looks unsafe. It’s also a good idea to keep your wallet in your front pocket when walking around or store it in an anti-theft pouch.

If possible, try to avoid walking alone at night or wearing flashy jewelry or accessories. Wearing bright colors may also help you reduce your risk of becoming a target while out and about.

Know Where to Avoid

The majority of crime can be concentrated in certain areas of town, so it’s always wise to know which areas have higher crime rates and should be avoided. The Charleston Police Department provides weekly reports on crime in the city that can help you better understand which areas should be avoided. For example, West Ashley and North Charleston are known for higher rates of burglary and theft.

It’s also not a great idea to walk around some tourist attractions after dark – walking along the Battery promenade or through the historical Market Street area at night can be risky since they attract larger crowds. For example, Market Street is known for becoming dicey after dark due to large gatherings of people. It’s always a good idea to steer clear from such areas when darkness hits.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

In addition to staying alert and avoiding dangerous areas, you can also take advantage of technology for safety purposes. If you’re ever feeling uncomfortable or in a dangerous situation, it may be a good option to call for help using a safety app like ExitSafer. It’s designed for situations where rapid help is needed and even sends a text message with your current location to five of your contacts if you feel threatened.

Best Practices While Visiting Charleston

Now that you know a bit more about the crime rate in Charleston and some safety precautions you can take, here are some tried-and-true tips for your next visit:

  • Let family and friends know where you’ll be.
  • Limit how much alcohol you consumer.
  • Leave expensive items at home.
  • Stay with a group whenever possible.
  • Don’t venture out alone at night.
  • Choose taxi services over other means of transportation.

See Charleston Through an Experienced Guide

If you want an authentic, local experience, consider signing up for a guided tour of the city. Not only will this limit your exposure to unsafe areas, but you’ll also gain insider knowledge from residents who have firsthand experience on what’s worth seeing and where it’s best not to venture out alone.

One way to have the most enjoyable travel experience possible is by signing up for Charleston: True Crime Stories Guided Pub Crawl & Cocktails. This tour takes you around Charleston’s best bars while sharing its backstories and tales of true crime inspired by James Michalopoulos’ novel Mean Streets. It’s guided by an expert storyteller who will make sure you have the most memorable and enjoyable experience possible without compromising personal safety.

In conclusion, Charleston is a wonderful place to visit. Even though it has seen an increase in crime recently, you can stay safe by avoiding potentially dangerous spots and keeping alert at all times. Additionally, taking a guided tour can be a great way to explore Charleston in a safe and enjoyable manner while learning about its true crime stories from an experienced local guide!

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Is Charleston a Safe Place to Visit? An In-depth Look at Crime in Charleston and the Best Practices to Stay Safe

Experience Adventure Like Never Before: Book Your Tour Today!