It was the first time I had to file a police report while living in Riverside. Until then, I had only thought of crime statistics as just numbers. But after reporting to the police and receiving a case number, my perspective changed a bit. I realized that car-related crimes occur more frequently in the area than I expected. So, I started looking up data to see just how dangerous Riverside really is.

First, looking at homicide cases reveals some surprising results. In 2024, the number of homicides in Riverside is estimated to be around 10. This is a significant decrease compared to 26 cases in 2022. Considering the city has a population of over 300,000, it's not particularly high for a city of that size. Even when calculated per 100,000 people, it's lower than some major cities in the U.S.

So, if you ask whether Riverside is a dangerous city where you should worry about getting shot while walking down the street, I wouldn't say so. Of course, there are differences between neighborhoods. Areas around Downtown can have a different vibe at night, while residential areas like Canyon Crest or Orangecrest are quite peaceful.

What I'm more concerned about is car theft. In 2024, vehicle thefts are reported to exceed 1,400 cases. When adjusted for the population, that's over 400 cases per 100,000 people. Fortunately, this is a significant decrease compared to 2023, but for someone who owns a car, it's still a number that can't be ignored.

Particularly, there was a major issue across the U.S. regarding certain Kia and Hyundai models being vulnerable to theft. Riverside was no exception. Therefore, I don't think simply locking the car is enough. For older vehicles or models at higher risk of theft, using visible security devices like a steering wheel lock is a good idea. It's also wise to check for GPS or vehicle tracking features.

Looking at property crimes overall, the issues in Riverside become clearer. In 2024, property crimes exceeded 9,000 cases, which is higher than the national average when adjusted for population. However, there is an important change: compared to the previous year, property crimes have decreased by double digits, and overall crime is showing a downward trend.

In the end, it's not accurate to label Riverside as an outright dangerous city, nor is it true that it's completely safe and you don't need to worry. What I've felt while living here is that I'm more realistically cautious about car theft and crimes involving stealing items from cars than about violent crimes that directly harm people.

As a result, my habits have changed. I don't leave my laptop or bag on the car seat when I get out. The same goes for quick trips to the grocery store. At night, I try to park in well-lit areas or places with a lot of foot traffic. If I have a garage at home, it's better to put the car inside, even if it's a hassle. Having security cameras is definitely more reassuring than not having any.

When looking at crime statistics in the U.S., it's not very meaningful to judge based solely on the overall numbers for a city. The atmosphere can change significantly within just a few blocks in Riverside. If you're looking for a place to live, it's best to visit during the day and also check it out in the evening or at night before signing a lease.

Statistics will continue to fluctuate in the future. The important thing is not to get scared by the numbers but to understand what types of crimes are actually occurring and prepare accordingly. Living in Riverside, I found that the most effective methods aren't anything extraordinary. It's about not leaving items in the car, locking the doors properly, checking the parking area again, and using necessary security devices. These may seem like simple habits, but in the U.S., they are surprisingly important.