Is Paris Dangerous? A Comprehensive Look at Crime in the City

Before visiting Paris or moving there, it's better to know whether it's dangerous or not. You should be aware of the common crimes and safety status.

In this article, we will give you a detailed overview of Paris' safety. We will explain how dangerous or safe it is and discuss the reasons. We will also share some areas to avoid and some safety tips to consider.

Is Paris Dangerous?

Paris is generally safe, but crimes are present in its neighborhoods. It is relatively safer compared to major cities in Europe. However, petty crimes and pickpocketing are higher in some areas. You might also encounter scammers and performers who distract the person for clever pickpocketing.

If you compare Paris with other cities, it stands with one of the lowest violent crime rates. However, petty crimes and pickpocketing usually occur in areas with high tourist attractions. Major areas such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louver, and other landmarks have high police presence, but the scammers find a way to distract the tourists. From the tourist point of view, it is generally a safe and enjoyable place, but it needs a little precaution.

How Dangerous Is Paris?

As per the crime rates provided by most of the websites, such as Statista and others, Paris has a crime rate of 1.14 crimes per 100K people. In this number, violent crimes are quite low. You will experience non-violent and property crimes frequently due to high population density and tourist inflow.

The crimes commonly reported are pickpocketing, scams, theft, theft from a vehicle, and drug-related offenses. You will encounter pickpocketing and theft frequently in public transport and crowded metro stations. The pickpockets also work in groups with the street players who distract the tourists and their expensive items. There are also crimes reported for taking donations.

Why Is Paris So Dangerous?

We cannot say Paris is completely dangerous, as it has a lower violent crime rate. However, the reviews are mixed for its safety, and also depend on political, social, and economic situations. The situation also depends on how the international media presents it.

You can say it's dangerous in terms of theft and petty crimes. The tourists need to be careful while visiting the popular landmarks. Additionally, the arrondissements such as 18th and 19th are on high alert due to extreme petty crimes in the dark. It also experiences drug-related issues and homelessness, which could create a bad impact on the tourists.

Which Arrondissement To Avoid In Paris?

Not every arrondissement is dangerous, but some of them are hotspots that you must avoid. Let’s break them up and see which one you should avoid.

20th arrondissement: The Belleville area has especially experienced gang-related activities and frequent clashes. The areas might be dangerous at night due to quiet streets, and walking alone may result in serious theft.

19th arrondissement: The places like Jaures and Stalin grad are hotspots due to high petty crime and theft issues. Moreover, it experiences frequent drug-related issues in young adults. Also, you must remain cautious around the Danube and the Cambrai.

18th arrondissement: It is recommended to remain cautious at stations in Porte De La Chapelle and Marx Dormy. At night, you will experience poorly lit and low-maintenance streets. You will also see open-air drug usage and scam issues are also common in the market area.

10th arrondissement: The 10th arrondissement has high traffic, due to which the scammers and street players remain active. With such overcrowding, the chances of pickpocketing are increased, and also the petty crimes become elevated.

Safety Tips For Visiting Or Living In Paris

Paris is generally considered safe, but for your safety, you must practice some important tips. Theft could occur at any time, so be careful and report to the nearest police station. Remain cautious at night and keep expensive items at home. It is recommended to always follow the known routes and avoid traveling through dangerous streets.

It is also necessary to keep an eye on the surrounding activities. If you feel any danger or any active gangs, quickly report it to the police. Keep your windows and doors closed to deter property crimes. Moreover, keep your cars inside the garage to keep them safe from any theft activity. You should be alert in tourist areas with crowds to avoid pickpocketing.

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FAQS

1. Is it safe to walk in Paris at night?

Yes, it is generally safe to walk in Paris at night, but it is advised to remain cautious of the surroundings. You must ensure that you follow some safety tips and avoid walking alone on low-lit streets.

2. What is the most common crime in Paris?

The most common crime is pickpocketing, which is increasing every year. Especially in the tourist spots with high crowds, the pickpocketing activities become more vigilant.

Conclusion

Paris is relatively safe compared to other cities in Europe. The violent crimes are low, but some petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and scams, are quite common in various areas. We have shared the areas to avoid to help you avoid being a victim of crime. Make sure to follow the safety tips we have shared to safeguard your valuable items and loved ones.