Violent crime is surging in several major cities, reaching levels not seen in years
Crime is rising sharply in many major cities, leaving residents on edge about their safety. Daily life is increasingly affected by threats of theft, assault, and public disorder. Fear has become a constant presence, shaping how people live and move through their communities.
Perception does not always match reality, but it reveals where safety systems are failing. Cities with the highest levels of fear often show the impact of economic decline, weak policing, and deep inequality. These patterns explain why anxiety can grow faster than crime itself.
Durban, South Africa
Durban records an index near 80.6, driven by drug-related violence, gang rivalry, and property theft. Residents report an increase in muggings and carjackings near transport hubs. Businesses often incur substantial security costs to protect their employees and assets.
Law enforcement struggles to contain the scale of organized crime within its port regions. Economic opportunity and criminal activity coexist, creating tension that impacts public morale. Durban’s experience shows that thriving commerce cannot mask the reality of urban insecurity.
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Pietermaritzburg consistently ranks among the highest in global crime perception indexes, with a score of 82.7. Residents describe daily threats of robbery, assault, and home invasion. Streets empty early, and many locals install private alarms and cameras to feel safe.
Deep inequality, youth unemployment, and poor law enforcement drive much of the fear in the city. Limited trust in public institutions adds to the sense of vulnerability. The city’s high score shows how social decay and weak policing can turn fear into a defining public issue.
Pretoria, South Africa
Pretoria follows closely with an index near 81.8, marking it as one of the cities where fear of crime has reached extreme levels. People report frequent break-ins, carjackings, and scams. Even well-off suburbs experience once-rare incidents.
Local discussions often center on corruption, delayed police response, and overloaded courts. Security guards and neighborhood watch programs are now seen as necessities rather than precautions. Public fear in Pretoria underscores how institutional distrust can intensify perceptions of danger even more than the crimes themselves.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg’s index currently sits around 80.8, making it one of the world’s most feared cities to live in. Violent robberies, assaults, and gang activity dominate both downtown areas and informal settlements. Many residents have adjusted their routines to avoid risk.
Rapid migration and income inequality make policing difficult to manage effectively. Informal housing areas often lack adequate surveillance, and emergency response times are frequently slow. High inequality paired with weak policing creates conditions where fear spreads faster than control measures can catch up.
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), South Africa
Port Elizabeth, now officially Gqeberha, scores around 78 in recent perception surveys. Many residents describe feeling unsafe walking alone at night, even in central areas. Assaults and thefts are frequent in both residential and industrial zones.
Low employment rates and overstretched police departments contribute to the anxiety. Some neighborhoods rely entirely on community patrols for safety. When public protection weakens, people begin to build their own parallel security systems to cope with daily uncertainty.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town’s crime perception index stands around 73.7, reflecting persistent fear despite its global reputation as a tourist destination. Gang violence, firearms, and turf wars dominate the city’s outskirts. Residents often describe crime as a fact of life.
Although tourist districts enjoy a heavier police presence, the violence in low-income areas continues unchecked. The divide between rich and poor neighborhoods continues to widen each year. Even a vibrant economy cannot guarantee safety when violence becomes embedded in local identity.
Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos records a crime perception index of nearly 68, showing strong public concern about safety. Residents frequently report incidents of armed robbery, car theft, and fraud in traffic-heavy areas. Congestion and limited surveillance make prevention difficult.
Rapid urbanization has stretched the city’s police force beyond its limits. Many communities rely on private guards who operate without unified coordination. The experience in Lagos shows that without balanced growth, large cities can become hotspots for unchecked urban crime.
Caracas, Venezuela
Caracas continues to rank among the most feared cities globally, with an index above 81. Political instability, economic collapse, and institutional weakness have left citizens vulnerable to daily violence. Many households live behind locked gates and avoid going out after dark.
Public confidence in police and justice systems remains extremely low. Social programs aimed at reducing inequality have largely failed to achieve their intended purpose. Caracas illustrates how corruption and prolonged crisis can turn insecurity into a permanent condition.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby holds an index above 81, indicating severe public concern about violence and theft. Armed attacks, home invasions, and street crime remain common in both rich and poor districts. Residents report avoiding certain roads entirely.
The city’s rapid population growth has outpaced the capacity of its public infrastructure and law enforcement. Informal settlements expand faster than authorities can manage. When governance lags behind urban growth, even basic safety becomes a privilege few can afford.
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Memphis stands out for verified statistics showing record crime levels. The city recorded roughly 397 homicides in 2023, the highest in its history. Violent crime and property crime rates remain well above the national average.
Despite national declines in U.S. violent crime, Memphis continues to struggle with shootings, assaults, and theft. Local officials cite poverty and limited youth programs as key factors in the issue. Memphis demonstrates that even developed cities can experience historic spikes when economic and social pressures remain unresolved.
Key Takeaway
Most global “record highs” reflect perception rather than confirmed crime counts. Yet, they expose how unsafe people feel within their communities. Fear grows when trust in institutions collapses, when justice is slow, and when inequality widens.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
But a lot has changed. And fast. In 2025, building wealth doesn’t require a finance degree—or even a lot of money. The tools are simpler. The entry points are lower. And believe it or not, total beginners are stacking wins just by starting small and staying consistent.
Click here and let’s break down how.
