I'm assuming the folks who don't believe large chunks of MoCo was safer 20-30 years ago didn't live here at the time. And, it *is* sad to see for people like me who have lived here all my life.

I will say that Downtown Silver Spring is safer than it was 15 years ago. City Place was not at all ok before the revitalization. DTSS still requires a significant police presence at night which is unfortunate.

I love how one poster keeps going on about how these places were safer 3 years ago, while another poster points to a single crime 3 years ago to claim it was safer 10 years ago.

It's almost as if people are not reliable narrators of relative safety, and have a nostalgia for the past that is unrelated to facts.

See, even if a PP's detective friend says she'd avoid Wheaton Regional Park at all times, I've taken my kids there many afternoons (alone, not with spouse or other adults) and haven't ever felt unsafe. Am I just lucky? Maybe. But I feel like if more people like me KEEP GOING to Wheaton Regional with our kids, it will be a lot harder for it to "fall" to criminal activity.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You totally missed my point. In the daylight in a crowded place, the woman had a reasonable expectation of safety. So I'm not blaming the victim. If she attacked in Central Park at 1 in the morning, I still wouldn't blame her but I also wouldn't be surprised. No where did I say that crime against another is okay so you can stop putting words in my mouth please. But I do think some times of day etc. are safer. All I was simply saying is that IMO there is no reason to avoid Wheaton Park, but if you are nervous I wouldn't go there at night. That's all.

I also think it is strange that people are mis-remembering Wheaton. 20 years ago, it was absolutely not safe to go the Wheaton Mall, i remember being warned about it. Now, the area is more middle class, developed. Look at downtown SS. Before Discovery and other businesses moved in the late 90s, there was very little development. Housing prices in the area were much cheaper. Now it's quite expensive and considered safe to go there.

WHEATON REGIONAL PARK CLOSES AT SUNSET! You're not supposed to be there at night anyway!

(I'm not yelling at you, PP.)

All the more reason to avoid it then. But apparently there is a poster here who likes going to closed parks at night and thinks is "sad" that the rest of don't.

Anonymous wrote:

You totally missed my point. In the daylight in a crowded place, the woman had a reasonable expectation of safety. So I'm not blaming the victim. If she attacked in Central Park at 1 in the morning, I still wouldn't blame her but I also wouldn't be surprised. No where did I say that crime against another is okay so you can stop putting words in my mouth please. But I do think some times of day etc. are safer. All I was simply saying is that IMO there is no reason to avoid Wheaton Park, but if you are nervous I wouldn't go there at night. That's all.

I also think it is strange that people are mis-remembering Wheaton. 20 years ago, it was absolutely not safe to go the Wheaton Mall, i remember being warned about it. Now, the area is more middle class, developed. Look at downtown SS. Before Discovery and other businesses moved in the late 90s, there was very little development. Housing prices in the area were much cheaper. Now it's quite expensive and considered safe to go there.

WHEATON REGIONAL PARK CLOSES AT SUNSET! You're not supposed to be there at night anyway!

(I'm not yelling at you, PP.)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pretty sure most parks are closed to the public at dusk.

I'm certain that the parks close to the public at sunset! If you are a PP who posted about not going to the park at night -- why would you go to the park at night?

NP but isn't that the point? People were posting earlier about how it's a shame that you can't use this beautiful park. But if the violent crime is happening at night then why would you write off the park all together? Of course it is not acceptable that there is violent crime in parks in our community, but we can work for change however we can and then use common sense, which is not going at night.

I lived in NYC for years. Spent a lot of time in Central Park. Loved it. But wouldn't go there at night.

Crimes have happened there in the day.

Well sure. Crime happens everywhere, in the nicest places in broad daylight. But you can make common sense decisions. A place crowded with families and runners etc during the day is safer than an isolated space in the dark. Act accordingly.

Sounds a little like victim blaming to me. Here's think link to the article about the 63 year old woman attacked at Lakeforest Mall three years ago. It was 1:30pm, right in front of Macy's. Shouldn't that seem like a place that is crowded and well-lit. Plus, it was during the day (since you or the other PP have this obsession with saying that it's normal for places not to be safe after dark).

What 'common sense decision' did the elderly woman not make, according to you?

I completely agree with the PP. Areas that used to be safe 10 or 15 years ago, are no longer safe. And, IMO, that's pretty disconcerting. And definitely disappointing.

You totally missed my point. In the daylight in a crowded place, the woman had a reasonable expectation of safety. So I'm not blaming the victim. If she attacked in Central Park at 1 in the morning, I still wouldn't blame her but I also wouldn't be surprised. No where did I say that crime against another is okay so you can stop putting words in my mouth please. But I do think some times of day etc. are safer. All I was simply saying is that IMO there is no reason to avoid Wheaton Park, but if you are nervous I wouldn't go there at night. That's all.

I also think it is strange that people are mis-remembering Wheaton. 20 years ago, it was absolutely not safe to go the Wheaton Mall, i remember being warned about it. Now, the area is more middle class, developed. Look at downtown SS. Before Discovery and other businesses moved in the late 90s, there was very little development. Housing prices in the area were much cheaper. Now it's quite expensive and considered safe to go there.

Anonymous wrote:

Sounds a little like victim blaming to me. Here's think link to the article about the 63 year old woman attacked at Lakeforest Mall three years ago. It was 1:30pm, right in front of Macy's. Shouldn't that seem like a place that is crowded and well-lit. Plus, it was during the day (since you or the other PP have this obsession with saying that it's normal for places not to be safe after dark).

What 'common sense decision' did the elderly woman not make, according to you?

I completely agree with the PP. Areas that used to be safe 10 or 15 years ago, are no longer safe. And, IMO, that's pretty disconcerting. And definitely disappointing.

This is like saying: a pedestrian got hit by a car, therefore it is not safe to walk. When I went to Lakeforest Mall three years ago, nothing happened. Consequently, it was not in the news. The news does not run stories about people who go to the mall, do their mall business, and then go home again.

The police have the same bias. Based on their experiences, police officers ought to advise against riding in cars and living with romantic partners. I know a police officer who would not allow his child to go to the school my child goes to. I know another police officer who would advise his relatives against living in the neighborhood my friend lives in. My child's experience at the school has been fine. My friend's experience in the neighborhood has been fine.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:http://wjla.com/news/local/police-man-wanted-for-stabbing-attempted-robbery-outside-of-gaithersburg-mall

Link for the lady at Lakeforest

NP here. I still shop at Lakeforest Mall, and while it's not like it used to be, these violent acts aren't the norm. There are violent incidents at Montgomery Mall, too.

I shop there also, but I definitely am somewhat more on alert than at Montgomery Mall. I am almost certain that if you look up the crime stats for Montgomery Mall versus Lakeforest - Lakeforest will be higher. Have lived in the area for decades and there was that one incident where the lady got carjacked at Montgomery Mall. But definitely more than that at Lakeforest and the surrounding area.

Maybe the crime at Montgomery Mall will increase now that the huge Transit Center has been built there.

Anonymous wrote:http://wjla.com/news/local/police-man-wanted-for-stabbing-attempted-robbery-outside-of-gaithersburg-mall

Link for the lady at Lakeforest

NP here. I still shop at Lakeforest Mall, and while it's not like it used to be, these violent acts aren't the norm. There are violent incidents at Montgomery Mall, too.

http://wjla.com/news/local/police-man-wanted-for-stabbing-attempted-robbery-outside-of-gaithersburg-mall

Link for the lady at Lakeforest

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pretty sure most parks are closed to the public at dusk.

I'm certain that the parks close to the public at sunset! If you are a PP who posted about not going to the park at night -- why would you go to the park at night?

NP but isn't that the point? People were posting earlier about how it's a shame that you can't use this beautiful park. But if the violent crime is happening at night then why would you write off the park all together? Of course it is not acceptable that there is violent crime in parks in our community, but we can work for change however we can and then use common sense, which is not going at night.

I lived in NYC for years. Spent a lot of time in Central Park. Loved it. But wouldn't go there at night.

Crimes have happened there in the day.

Well sure. Crime happens everywhere, in the nicest places in broad daylight. But you can make common sense decisions. A place crowded with families and runners etc during the day is safer than an isolated space in the dark. Act accordingly.

Sounds a little like victim blaming to me. Here's think link to the article about the 63 year old woman attacked at Lakeforest Mall three years ago. It was 1:30pm, right in front of Macy's. Shouldn't that seem like a place that is crowded and well-lit. Plus, it was during the day (since you or the other PP have this obsession with saying that it's normal for places not to be safe after dark).

What 'common sense decision' did the elderly woman not make, according to you?

I completely agree with the PP. Areas that used to be safe 10 or 15 years ago, are no longer safe. And, IMO, that's pretty disconcerting. And definitely disappointing.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pretty sure most parks are closed to the public at dusk.

I'm certain that the parks close to the public at sunset! If you are a PP who posted about not going to the park at night -- why would you go to the park at night?

NP but isn't that the point? People were posting earlier about how it's a shame that you can't use this beautiful park. But if the violent crime is happening at night then why would you write off the park all together? Of course it is not acceptable that there is violent crime in parks in our community, but we can work for change however we can and then use common sense, which is not going at night.

I lived in NYC for years. Spent a lot of time in Central Park. Loved it. But wouldn't go there at night.

Crimes have happened there in the day.

Well sure. Crime happens everywhere, in the nicest places in broad daylight. But you can make common sense decisions. A place crowded with families and runners etc during the day is safer than an isolated space in the dark. Act accordingly.

The point is that places which were perfectly safe in the daytime 3 years ago are no longer safe. Wheaton is over run with gang activity. My friend is a detective and she absolutely will not go to Wheaton Regional any time of day.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pretty sure most parks are closed to the public at dusk.

I'm certain that the parks close to the public at sunset! If you are a PP who posted about not going to the park at night -- why would you go to the park at night?

NP but isn't that the point? People were posting earlier about how it's a shame that you can't use this beautiful park. But if the violent crime is happening at night then why would you write off the park all together? Of course it is not acceptable that there is violent crime in parks in our community, but we can work for change however we can and then use common sense, which is not going at night.

I lived in NYC for years. Spent a lot of time in Central Park. Loved it. But wouldn't go there at night.

Crimes have happened there in the day.

Well sure. Crime happens everywhere, in the nicest places in broad daylight. But you can make common sense decisions. A place crowded with families and runners etc during the day is safer than an isolated space in the dark. Act accordingly.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wheaton Regional is great during the day. I wouldn't worry about the playground/train etc. area during the day in nice weather - it's packed with families.

Night is a different story but I wouldn't really want to hang around most parks at night.

Really? That's too bad. Do you live in DC? The beauty of living in a suburb is that you can feel safe walking the dog at night, or taking the kids out at night. It's a reasonable expectation.

I used to let my MSer play basketball at our local park after the sun goes down.

I live in the suburbs. I feel perfectly safe walking through my neighborhood at night and do often - but I see no reason to go to the park at night and hang out and certainly no reason to drive to Wheaton Park. It's dark, the trains and other kid activities are closed down.

Not sure what point you are trying to make but even in my safe suburb, not a lot of families are going to the park after dark. If there is an event in nice weather it's a different story of course. Great that you let your kids play basketball out there but no reason to "feel bad" for me. What a strange reaction.

I think your reaction is strange.

Instead of saying we should not have murders and gang activity in Montgomery County parks, you say that people should just not be able to go to parks at night. And you think that’s normal.

I feel that we should feel safe in our communities and the fact that you come straight out and say that Wheaton Park is NOT SAFE at night, but that you’re okay with that is definitely a sad commentary on how you’ve gotten used to gang related crime in MoCo.

Unfortunately, Montgomery County has change a lot in the last 20 years. I never used to feel unsafe going to the White Oak Shopping Center at 9pm. Now, a police officer friend of mine says stay away. I'm not sure how the county got away from us but it's a shame. It's the new normal to say we should not go to parks at night in the DCC area.

We used to hang out at Lakeforest Mall! But my neighbor is with MCPD and commented that it’s like shooting fish in a barrel at that mall with illegal activity. An elderly lady was robbed (and maybe also assaulted?) their last year during the day! It’s not just an issue of crimes happening at night.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wheaton Regional is great during the day. I wouldn't worry about the playground/train etc. area during the day in nice weather - it's packed with families.

Night is a different story but I wouldn't really want to hang around most parks at night.

Really? That's too bad. Do you live in DC? The beauty of living in a suburb is that you can feel safe walking the dog at night, or taking the kids out at night. It's a reasonable expectation.

I used to let my MSer play basketball at our local park after the sun goes down.

I live in the suburbs. I feel perfectly safe walking through my neighborhood at night and do often - but I see no reason to go to the park at night and hang out and certainly no reason to drive to Wheaton Park. It's dark, the trains and other kid activities are closed down.

Not sure what point you are trying to make but even in my safe suburb, not a lot of families are going to the park after dark. If there is an event in nice weather it's a different story of course. Great that you let your kids play basketball out there but no reason to "feel bad" for me. What a strange reaction.

I think your reaction is strange.

Instead of saying we should not have murders and gang activity in Montgomery County parks, you say that people should just not be able to go to parks at night. And you think that’s normal.

I feel that we should feel safe in our communities and the fact that you come straight out and say that Wheaton Park is NOT SAFE at night, but that you’re okay with that is definitely a sad commentary on how you’ve gotten used to gang related crime in MoCo.

Unfortunately, Montgomery County has change a lot in the last 20 years. I never used to feel unsafe going to the White Oak Shopping Center at 9pm. Now, a police officer friend of mine says stay away. I'm not sure how the county got away from us but it's a shame. It's the new normal to say we should not go to parks at night in the DCC area.