are you concerned about crime as a parent?

[Anonymous]

The crime issue is not overblown at all. Carjacking are up over 100% from last year. Robberies are up significantly too. And even if the teen who carjacks you is caught, there will be no real consequence because something about equity. You're on your own in DC.

[Anonymous]

Overblown? DC is literally making international news because crime has gotten so out of hand: https://www.economist.com/united-states/2023/10/30/why-is-americas-capital-so-violent

[Anonymous]

Considering that our car was stolen a few months ago and there was an armed carjacking on our block last week, I'm very concerned. We live in a very quiet neighborhood in NW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We live in Manor Park with toddlers and no, I'm not particularly concerned, but I can't say I don't think about it. We are out and about in the city with our kids all the time, and it's fine. I'm definitely more aware these days though. I keep an eye out for anyone who looks off. I keep an eye on groups of teens. I'll move metro cars or get off the bus if anyone who seems like they're going to cause problems gets on (fwiw never needed to do this). Carjackings are a little scary because they're seemingly pretty random, but in reality there are patterns and if you know those patterns you can reduce your risk--most happen at night, many happen to cars idling, and they're still pretty concentrated in certain areas. Also, the number is extremely small compared to the number of cars on the roads at any given time. I'm not going to crap on your fears like others in here are doing because I get it, but realistically your chances of being victimized are very low.

I will add...I AM concerned that crime is going up and I don't think the response is overblown (in fact I love the outrage over it because it's the only way that any action will be taken), but I am not actively concerned for our safety or worried much when we are out in the city.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - this is why i want to hear from actual parents.... The news, and certain forums here, make it sound really bad. People have different risk thresholds and reactions to crime but I do believe once you are a parent you have a different perspective and are more risk averse.

None of what's being reported would have bothered me in my pre-child days because I value living in a relatively urban area and understand crime is just part of that.

I live in Shaw with two elementary aged kids. I do hate the crime and think it's a legit risk and deeply wish the city would start taking it seriously. However, my kids think they live on Sesame Street and are out in the playgrounds and walking around and having charming adventures all the time. They love their childhood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DP

Do you let your kids take the metro or bus alone? At what age?

Are you telling your kids to be aware of homeless people/giving them guidance on what to do if they are in the vicinity of someone who seems to be mentally unstable?

Yes we talk a lot about "unpredictable people". One huge, easy piece of advice is just to always cross the street is you see someone who is behaving erratically. And being aware of what is going on all around you -- who is behind you, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are about to move to NWDC. I'm curious how parents of young children feel about the crime in DC and if it's impacting your daily life or your choices for how you spend time with your little ones.

We have a toddler who is active and loves to be outside. On average we spend about 4-5 hours a day out at playgrounds, just walking the streets, etc. I also often drive him to events at public libraries. Reading about the frequent armed carjackings /armed robberies that seem to be spread out all over DC scares me. They are happening during the day and are not confined to certain areas. My worst nightmare would be getting carjacked at gunpoint with my child in the carseat.

Are you taking more precautious when you go out with your children? If so, how? Please also mention which neighborhood you live in.

Or tell me it's all overblown?

Live your life without fear. We miss out on so much in life due to fear of what could happen, not much of that actually ever happens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Overblown? DC is literally making international news because crime has gotten so out of hand: https://www.economist.com/united-states/2023/10/30/why-is-americas-capital-so-violent

Thanks for the link to a paid firewall

Here's the headline:

Why is America’s capital so violent?

In most big cities violent crime is declining. In Washington the opposite is true


Though he has a black belt in karate, when a trio of armed boys in ski masks threatened Henry Cuellar, a congressman from Texas, outside his Navy Yard flat on October 2nd he swiftly handed over the keys to his Toyota Crossover. It was the 754th carjacking in America’s capital this year, amounting to roughly three a day since January. And it was not the first attack on a member of Congress. In February Angie Craig of Minnesota heroically fended off a man who grabbed her by the neck in the lift of the building where she stays near the Capitol.

Violent crime in the district is up by 40% this year. A proliferation of guns has turned dozens of petty disputes into killings: for the first time in a quarter of a century, more than 200 people were murdered before October 1st. That bucks the national trend. Elsewhere the crime epidemic that came with covid-19 is ebbing. In 30 cities that make their murder counts publicly available, the Council on Criminal Justice, a think-tank, found that by July there had been 202 fewer homicides than in the first half of 2022, a 9.4% drop. In Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Rochester the murder rate fell by more than 20%. Why then is the capital of the free world on track to record its worst year in decades?

[Anonymous]

I live in NW DC and I’m not concerned about carjacking. While I am concerned about the increase in crime overall, our direct neighborhood is relatively safe and (while something could always happen) I don’t let crime stop us from living our life, like farmers markets, libraries, playgrounds, etc.

[Anonymous]

Op where are you moving from?

[Anonymous]

I live in Manor Park as well and yes I’m concerned about crime but we are out at playgrounds and the library pretty much every weekend day. My kids are too young to use public transit by themselves (elementary school) but we take bus and Metro frequently and have never had an issue. I have trained them not to stare at someone with mental issues and to follow my lead on public transit- if I say let’s get off and change cars they listen without hesitation. But we have only had to do that maybe 2 times.

[Anonymous]

We moved out of DC because of taxes and crime. Two separate friends have 1) had their house shot at and still have bullet holes and 2) been a victim of carjacking outside their home while trying to get their toddler in the car.

The people who think the risk of crime is overblown must work for the Mayor

[Anonymous]

I used to live in NW.

Now that I am a parent, there is no way I would ever consider raising my child in any part of D.C.

[Anonymous]

Start here, OP

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/forums/show/69.page

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We moved out of DC because of taxes and crime. Two separate friends have 1) had their house shot at and still have bullet holes and 2) been a victim of carjacking outside their home while trying to get their toddler in the car.

The people who think the risk of crime is overblown must work for the Mayor

ugh this is so scary. I have a fear of being carjacked getting my kid in and out of the car. I feel like we have always been taught to pay attention to your surroundings, leave as soon as you get in your car... but when you are getting the kid in the car seat your back is turned and its hard to pay attention to anything else. There was a carjacking in front of my friends building SW... i dont go there after dark any more.