How safe is this area of philly? (crime, home)

[kcmo]

Hello, I go to Philly all the time, but I'm not familiar with this area:

https://goo.gl/maps/djkoCZAKsQT2

I need to come up and do some photography of the new bridge so I will have a lot of expensive camera gear and we will also be flying a professional drone to get some low level aerials. The biggest problem with flying a drone is being bothered by people while flying it, but we won't be able to really pay attention to our surroundings while flying it so people could come up on us.

I think we will be doing it in the middle of the day, but I may need to get some dusk shots etc too.

It doesn't look too bad from street view, but it's also not the best area either is appears. Again, I'm used to working in areas like this, I'm just trying to know in advance what I may be dealing with and if I should take extra precautions.

Thanks.

[moneymkt]

Originally Posted by kcmo

Hello, I go to Philly all the time, but I'm not familiar with this area:

https://goo.gl/maps/djkoCZAKsQT2

I need to come up and do some photography of the new bridge so I will have a lot of expensive camera gear and we will also be flying a professional drone to get some low level aerials. The biggest problem with flying a drone is being bothered by people while flying it, but we won't be able to really pay attention to our surroundings while flying it so people could come up on us.

I think we will be doing it in the middle of the day, but I may need to get some dusk shots etc too.

It doesn't look too bad from street view, but it's also not the best area either is appears. Again, I'm used to working in areas like this, I'm just trying to know in advance what I may be dealing with and if I should take extra precautions.

Thanks.

It's not a bad area at all for the middle of the day but at night time that's a different story.

[2e1m5a]

It's not that bad-Mantua near the Zoo and close to where a lot of Drexel kids live. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially with equipment. I probably wouldn't do this at night.

At first I thought it was showing the bridges near Hope st/Cambria in Kensington/Fairhill-now that is a different story.

[Pilot1]

Yes, do take EXTRA precautions, and notify the police of you presents there prior to going. It is NOT a good area, so have a crew of men with you to protect you, and your equipment. If you can afford armed security, even better.

[maf763]

Originally Posted by Pilot1

Yes, do take EXTRA precautions, and notify the police of you presents there prior to going. It is NOT a good area, so have a crew of men with you to protect you, and your equipment. If you can afford armed security, even better.

What is it like to be so fearful?

[Pilot1]

Originally Posted by maf763

What is it like to be so fearful?

I am being honest, and realistic. Look up the crime stats for that area.

[moneymkt]

Originally Posted by Pilot1

I am being honest, and realistic. Look up the crime stats for that area.

That area is fine for mid-day.

[thedirtypirate]

Originally Posted by Pilot1

I am being honest, and realistic. Look up the crime stats for that area.

"Being honest" is a curious thing to say. Are you are implying that the people who actually live here and go through these areas are some how "less honest" than you considering you don't live close to philly and don't come here often? Seems very honest of you lol. I'm sure if the OP has been shooting in other questionable areas, he will be okay and make the correct choice.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by maf763

What is it like to be so fearful?

I wonder the same thing. Why leave the house?

[kcmo]

Thanks for the feedback.

It was not bad at all. Actually, everybody I ran into was very friendly. I'm generally open and friendly to the locals when I'm in areas like this and I don't act like I'm out of place (I am white for the record) and they are typically the same way back. I actually met some really good and genuine people. Yes, it's an impoverished area, but it's getting better and most people that live in areas like that don't want anything more to do with the gangs etc as anybody else. I actually enjoyed my visit.

However, I didn't go back after dark. I probably would have, but was not sure I needed to, so I drove back home and will return if needed. I honestly don't think I would have a problem at night, but I would definitely take some more precautions at night. Although that area is probably much safer than many of the stupid places I go like dark river levees across from New Orleans or St Louis. I worry more when there is nobody at all around.