Times Square Alliance Survey Finds Majority Feel Safe Amidst Recent Crimes and Violence Perception

Every day, Times Square is filled with thousands of tourists. The vast majority have heard about the crimes and acts of violence that have dominated the news in recent weeks, creating a perception of insecurity among many.

But a survey conducted by the Times Square Alliance shows that 83% of the more than 1,500 respondents feel safe, something this couple of Spanish tourists agree with.

Luis Moreno, Spanish tourist says:

“Well, we feel, the truth is, very good on our first day, and the truth is that the sensations are good. Although we come from Madrid, which is a city in quotes similar to New York, there are a lot of homeless people too, so the situation is very complicated, but in general we feel very safe, really.”

The survey was conducted between February 10 and 19, 2024. Of the percentage that does not feel safe, 67 percent indicate that it is because they saw the news of the high-profile crimes that have occurred in this area, such as the beating that several immigrants seeking asylum gave to two police officers, and the case of the teenager, also an immigrant, who shot at police officers and injured a Brazilian tourist

Tom Harris, president of the Times Square Alliance, says:

“A crime is a lot and should not happen, however, the perception creates an illusion of danger that does not really exist and the numbers show it, people feel safe in Times Square and the police presence is real and that is why in said cases of violence there have been arrests immediately.”

María Pérez, Spanish tourist indicates:

“Yes, I have seen two police officers, but it seems to me that having security and having police, it seems to me that the city is safer, which is why I feel comfortable and safe in this city. Do you still see police? I don’t mind.”

The survey also talks about the characters who approach tourists, indicating that some people feel intimidated by their presence.

Elsa from the Frozen character says that’s not true.

“No, no, no, no, we welcome them, we greet them, we tell them if they want a photo and if they say yes, fine, and if they take it, great, because the photo is optional. We say a text, a tip, it is in your will.”

71% of those who said they felt safe are New Yorkers, like New Yorker Martha Abreu:

No, I feel safe. I have lived there since I was 50, between eight and nine, and I have never had a problem being here. If there is a lot of crime, I don’t say no, but I feel safe.

The director of the Transportation agency comments that he is working here, so he doesn’t say anything.

And the director of the Times Square Alliance responds that they are working together with the water police, while asking to make this area safer.

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2024-03-09 20:43:00
#Mixed #opinions #security #Times #Square