Crime and Pittsburgh - Increasing? (York, Wilkinsburg: home, landlord, to live)

[kpoeppel]

Originally Posted by vwscottie

The bottom line is, crime is increasing across the board in the Commonwealth of PA. I travel alot through the commonwealth to mountain bike and it is disgustingly sad to see the beautiful little towns that used to be the marquee of this commonwealth being infested with crime.

Yep. It's happening nationwide. We can thank the 60's cultural revolution and the subsequent breakdown of the family/marriage for that.

[vwscottie]

Originally Posted by kpoeppel

Yep. It's happening nationwide. We can thank the 60's cultural revolution and the subsequent breakdown of the family/marriage for that.

Well, that, and the constant parade of companies and industries leaving our country, along with all the crime being swept out of NYC.

[Seaharbour]

There were problems way before the 60s however with television coming more mainstream it just brought things more larger than life...the media is alolt to blame as greedy corps that leave and take their work to forgein lands for cheap labor, but maybe that will change, since we have such high illegal immigration rates these days, maybe they will stay put and just hire those who will work for next to nothing now?

[missthing]

wow you are really scaring me - we are planning on relocating to PA and this is not something I really want to hear - what area do u reside in so I know not to choice this area.

[vwscottie]

Originally Posted by missthing

wow you are really scaring me - we are planning on relocating to PA and this is not something I really want to hear - what area do u reside in so I know not to choice this area.

Who are you replying to?

[kpoeppel]

It's not like everywhere in PA is crime-infested. There are good areas and bad areas just like everywhere else. The Pittsburgh region has a fairly low crime rate compared to other regions. Just "do your homework" and find out what specific areas to avoid before moving.

[Seaharbour]

kpo...that is where these type of boards come in handy...you can find things out before you even start house hunting..if alot of people are saying the same thing, well you have to wonder what is up here? If one person says something negative, I would dig further to find out if its legit or not...I have found a wealth of info on this site, I need the site now, but when i move, i will prolly move on to other things that are more important to me..for now, its a lifesaver!

[Sabo]

I've been in Pittsburgh for three months now and have never had a problem. My best suggestion to any one concerned about the rising crime is to get yourself a weapon to defend yourself. It does not necessarily need to be a gun, but can be some thing as simple as a can of pepper spray (do not use mace because some people are unaffected by it).
I personally like carrying my stun-gun with me at all times and they are legal in the state of PA with the exception of the state of Philadelphia. Stun-guns of 500,000 volts typically cost about $40. Some one tried to mug me back when I was doing my Ph.D. studies in Virginia and I used it on him. He went down in one second...literally, and he didn't even try to get back up. That gives you plenty of time to get the hell away from the situation and find safety.
When I hear about the crime rising, it really troubles me because many people think that it all comes back to gun control laws and stuff. But the truth is that the criminals are always going to find a way to get their hands on firearms or other things. So protect yourself! It certainly served me well.

[wep561]

I was born in Pittsburgh (AGH) but never really lived there. My mother is from Pittsburgh. I remember when I was a kid in the 60's we would go to my aunt's place (somewhere on the North Side) for about 6 weeks during the summer.
It must have been a pretty rough area since I remember there was always someone wanting to kick my a##. For no reason other than the fact that I was a stranger in the neighborhood. It must have been some kind of territorial thing.
Recently during a weekend trip to Heinz field for a Steelers game, I decided to take my 18 year old son on a tour of the city. So we spent the day just driving around the metro areas of Pittsburgh. It didn't take long to realize that some areas are nothing more than a street jungle. It's funny how certain areas are clean and well kept with nice old houses that look almost new. Then a couple of blocks away no one cares enough to even pick up the trash in the street.
A guy from Mt Oliver told me that his house had been robbed seven times in the last ten years. He and his neighbors live in nice houses on a nice street, but it's the trash from a few blocks away that constantly patrol the neighborhood searching for someone to rob or a house to break into. Recently while he was away, someone broke into his basement and stole all of the plumbing copper.
Since I'm thinking about moving to Pittsburgh soon, I'm also remembering my summers there as a kid when I had to defend myself on a regular basis. And that was before there was a drug problem.
Here in south Florida, many of us have permits to carry concealed weapons. Is there such a permit available in Pittsburgh? And if so, how do I get one?
Thanks, wep561

[DCRedz]

Originally Posted by pittsburgh,pa

It seem to me that all the people that claim pgh crime isnt bad live in nice neiborhood go to where all the crime is coming from HOMEWOOD,THE HILL,NORTH SIDE,GARFIELD.......etc in see why the crime is getting high also we have a real high murder for a city are size

Yeah, this is an accurate statement....lmao at ignorance