Is Marseille Dangerous? Explore the Crime Rates and Safety Tips

Choosing a dangerous city to live in or travel to would be a vulnerable experience. It is always recommended to research the place well before planning to move. However, a city/country would be regarded as safe or unsafe based on several factors. Choosing the safest place would guarantee peace of mind.

In this article, we will discuss Marseille's safety and help you decide whether to choose this place as your destination or not. However, if you have already chosen the place, we will give a comprehensive safety guide to deter crime.

Is Marseille Dangerous?

Yes, it ranks among the most dangerous cities in Europe. Marseille reports a high level of crime, and it's increasing over the last 5 years. The crime rate increases at night, which could be dangerous for the residents as well as tourists. The areas with high tourist movement reported repeated petty crimes and theft cases.

Additionally, some of its neighborhood areas are riskier in terms of violent crime rates. It also has some safe spots where you can live hassle-free. The level of risk will depend on which district you have selected to live in or travel to.

How Dangerous Is Marseille

According to the sources, Marseille is highly dangerous for the residents and tourists. As per the stats, it has a crime index of 67.39, which is quite risky. With such a high crime rate, the quality of living is also affected. The common crimes include theft, assault, drug dealings, vandalism, armed robbery, and corruption.

Metro stations are the crime hotspots for pickpocketing, bag theft, and mugging. Moreover, the scammers are active around the tourist spots such as the Old Port and market areas. Nightlife is riskier due to the high presence of gangs nearby, and also, the chances of violent crimes will be increased. Still, it is recommended that tourists should keep an eye on their surroundings.

Why Is Marseille Dangerous

Marseille is considered dangerous for several reasons. The major reasons are increasing petty and drug-related crimes. Drug dealings become common due to high poverty rates, especially in the northern parts of the city. Also, the condition of unemployment badly impacts youth, and they get involved in gang-related activities.

Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in crowded areas. The violent crimes also remain heated, and weapons are usually seen in young adults. It is also well known as a drug-smuggling hub having a massive network. The corrupt individuals involved with law enforcement agencies fail to control the crime rates and smuggling in the city.

Dangerous Areas of Marseille

Marseille has some dangerous areas that you must avoid traveling to. Let’s see the list of areas and the types of crime that make their reputation worse.

Quartiers Nord

Quartier Nord is the most dangerous area of Marseille due to high violent crimes. Target Killings, armed robberies, and gang violence are common crimes. Some arrondissements are even at their worst due to high youth crime involvement.

Belsunce

Belsunce has busy tourist zones that are a key point for scammers and thieves. At night, it is less safe to travel alone in buses or metros due to high muggings. You might experience violent street crimes and anti-social activities.

La Canebière

La Canebière has a higher rate of drug trafficking. It has a massive network for its production and dealings. The low presence of police and high corruption fuel these activities to a new level. Pickpocketing and theft are also common in the area.

La Castellane

La Castellane is one of the major spots for arms smuggling and drug dealings. It also experiences high unemployment rates and poverty. Some parts of the area remain the hotspots that you must avoid.

Felix Pyat

The Felix Pyat area is situated in the 3rd arrondissement and is known for frequent gang wars. Regular shootings and fights between the gangs are reported. Moreover, drug trafficking, theft, and vandalism are also frequently reported in the area.

How To Stay Safe When Living Or Traveling In Marseille?

You can ensure the safety of your life and valuable belongings by incorporating some important tips. At first, you must be cautious of the surrounding areas. Pay attention to the people and activities around you. Avoid showing wealth through your clothes, jewelry, and expensive electronic gadgets. You should carry a cheaper phone for traveling at night.

Be extra vigilant in crowded areas where the chances of pickpocketing are higher. You should stay informed about daily updates on routes and crimes through the news and advisories. Petty crimes are also common, which can result in serious issues. You should avoid public transport, such as metros, at night due to the high risk of theft. It is recommended to secure your belongings, such as bicycles, cars, or any other vehicles.

For the safety of your home and other belongings, you can install Reolink security cameras. They record videos in excellent 4K resolution and offer real-time alerts, AI detection, two-way audio, remote access, and other advanced features.

FAQS

1. Is Marseille safe for tourists?

No, Marseille would be unsafe for tourists due to higher crime rates. It has a high ratio of violent and property crimes, which could be dangerous for the tourists.

2. Is Marseille the most dangerous city in Europe?

No, it's not the most dangerous city in Europe, but it stands at the top due to higher crime rates. The safety of walking at night is also extremely low.

3. What not to do in Marseille?

• Avoid getting scammed by the professionals.
• Stay alert in crowded areas.
• Avoid walking alone at night.
• Avoid going to unknown areas and low-lit streets.
• Keep expensive items at home.

Conclusion

You may encounter serious crimes if you are planning to visit or live in Marseille. For a safe living, you must ensure that you practice the safety tips. A security camera provides an additional level of security and helps you deter crimes before they happen. You can install security cameras at your home to keep your family safe from potential threats.