Over 60% of New York residents are concerned about becoming victims of crime, according to a poll by Siena College released on Wednesday. The poll further revealed that 51% of respondents were worried about their family’s safety in public spaces such as schools, stores, or places of worship, reflecting the ongoing public safety concerns that dominated the recent elections. A significant 36% admitted to feeling threatened in public due to a stranger’s behavior.
Siena College Research Institute Director Don Levy commented on the findings, stating, “Crime isn’t just something that happens to others far away according to New Yorkers.” He noted that a substantial 61% fear falling victim to a crime, and many are taking proactive steps to protect themselves. These concerns were a pivotal issue in the previous year’s elections, primarily focusing on the state’s cashless bail law, which was successfully amended by Governor Kathy Hochul to expand when bail could be considered in criminal cases.
The poll also found that 41% of voters have “never been this worried about their personal safety as they are today.” Meanwhile, 9% of New York residents, including 16% of New York City residents, reported being physically assaulted in the past year. This study, conducted from June 4 to June 12, involved a sample of 382 adults interviewed over cellphones and landlines, with an additional 420 responses from an online panel. The margin of error was calculated at 3.7 percentage points.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].