Walking at night Penn Station to Mt Vernon/Bolton Hill; why does safety vary block to block?

[jonjj]

Hi Orange,
When I was referencing Capitol Hill, I was referring to the area around Eastern Market for the comparison. I have two very good friends living in that area. It is Capitol Hill.

[Woodlands]

Originally Posted by bmorelifer

Secondly, could someone explain to me why safety varies so much block to block? If a criminal really wants to mug someone, what is stopping him or her from just walking an extra block over? Is it a drug dealer thing with corners and territory? I'm genuinely curious how this sort of thing unfolds. People say Guilford Ave is dangerous -- but it's just one block from the Marc train...

Thanks for any input you might have.

A block does make a difference.. .will use Stations North as the example and Charles Street between Penn Station and North Ave.. If venture by the Everyman Theatre.. or the restaurants next door on Charles on any given spring afternoon..there are people there lounging by day on into the night sipping cocktails and drinking wine... one to two blocks up on the corner of North Ave and Charles you have a "NY Fried Chicken" take out joint and a "something another" Inn which is a liquor store up front and a speakeasy bar in the rear. A would be mugger could stalk the folks venturing in an out of the eateries around the Everyman.. for sure.. but there are way to many people on the street.. people watching.. vigilent employees and the occasional watchful eye of the police, valet, or parking attendant. The other places up by North Ave.. easier targets.. you can jump the guy as he pulls his money out to buy his Johnny Walker or Chivas Regal and make off down the alley before he knows what hit him or blindside the guy buying the two piece when he is digging the singles out his wallet and dive into a waiting car and be down the Ave before anyone knows what happens assuming anyone is paying attention. I guess the point is muggers come in all shapes sizes and colors but it may be easier for them to blend in or look less conspicious in some areas rather than others.. and those areas may exist only a block apart....most urban dwellers are vigilent and either travel in groups or are very mindful of their surroundings.. you get a large group like minded folk in the same area (i.e sitting out on the street at a restaurant) and you create a sort of "safety zone" in spaces like outside of the Everyman.. because everyone is watching though maybe only subtly. Up by the Ave... people are minding their own business, catching the bus hurrying this way or that and often not paying attention.. so it may create a more opportunistic environment..

[jonjj]

Originally Posted by Woodlands

A block does make a difference.. .will use Stations North as the example and Charles Street between Penn Station and North Ave.. If venture by the Everyman Theatre.. or the restaurants next door on Charles on any given spring afternoon..there are people there lounging by day on into the night sipping cocktails and drinking wine... one to two blocks up on the corner of North Ave and Charles you have a "NY Fried Chicken" take out joint and a "something another" Inn which is a liquor store up front and a speakeasy bar in the rear. A would be mugger could stalk the folks venturing in an out of the eateries around the Everyman.. for sure.. but there are way to many people on the street.. people watching.. vigilent employees and the occasional watchful eye of the police, valet, or parking attendant. The other places up by North Ave.. easier targets.. you can jump the guy as he pulls his money out to buy his Johnny Walker or Chivas Regal and make off down the alley before he knows what hit him or blindside the guy buying the two piece when he is digging the singles out his wallet and dive into a waiting car and be down the Ave before anyone knows what happens assuming anyone is paying attention. I guess the point is muggers come in all shapes sizes and colors but it may be easier for them to blend in or look less conspicious in some areas rather than others.. and those areas may exist only a block apart....most urban dwellers are vigilent and either travel in groups or are very mindful of their surroundings.. you get a large group like minded folk in the same area (i.e sitting out on the street at a restaurant) and you create a sort of "safety zone" in spaces like outside of the Everyman.. because everyone is watching though maybe only subtly. Up by the Ave... people are minding their own business, catching the bus hurrying this way or that and often not paying attention.. so it may create a more opportunistic environment..

You have written some very good points. I agree. It helps to be on a friendly basis with your neighbors and keep an eye out. I have new neighbors on the block who have been there for about two weeks now. They are renting. I went over today after work and introduced myself and chatted a bit. They told me that grandma is home during the day and I now have another ally in my fight against crime as she said she would be looking out every now and then. It all helps and actually that is the way cities should be.