Hampton, Virginia, has a rich history, but it’s facing some challenges with high crime rates in certain neighborhoods. This article will talk about the five areas with the highest risk of violent crime, sharing information about the difficulties residents are dealing with and the actions taken by the government and community to address these problems.
We’ll look at the concerning crime rates in Downtown, explore what the Neighborhood Watch program is doing to improve the situation, and discuss broader strategies being developed to prevent violence.
Whether you’re a local resident trying to understand the situation or just someone interested in what’s going on, this article gives a detailed overview of the issues around crime in Hampton and the efforts to make its communities safer and more peaceful.
| Neighborhood | Population | Violent Crime Rate (per 100,000) | % Difference from Hampton Average |
| Downtown | 10,438 | 568 | 110% |
| Greater Wythe | 12,097 | 550 | 104% |
| Mercury Central | 12,022 | 444 | 64% |
| Buckroe | 13,590 | 279.00 | 3% |
| Aberdeen | 14,018 | 245.00 | -9% |
According to AreaVibes website, they ranked the riskiest neighborhoods in Hampton, Virginia, by looking at how many violent crimes happen for every 100,000 residents in each area. This is compared to the overall average for violent crimes in Hampton.
Violent crimes cover serious offenses like murder, rape, robbery, and assault. The top five riskiest neighborhoods in Hampton are:
- Downtown: This area has around 10,438 people, and the violent crime rate is 568 crimes for every 100,000 people. That’s 110% higher than the average in Hampton.
- Greater Wythe: This neighborhood has about 12,097 residents, and the violent crime rate is 550 crimes per 100,000 people. This is 104% higher than the average in Hampton.
- Mercury Central: In this neighborhood, there are approximately 12,022 people, and the violent crime rate is 444 crimes per 100,000 people. That’s 64% higher than the average in Hampton.
- Buckroe: The population of this neighborhood is around 13,590, and the violent crime rate is 279 crimes per 100,000 people. This is 3% higher than the average in Hampton.
- Aberdeen: With a population of about 14,018, this neighborhood has a violent crime rate of 245 crimes per 100,000 people. It’s 9% lower than the average in Hampton.
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The Actions Taken by the Government to Reduce Crime in These Communities
The following are some of the ways the government is attempting to reduce crime in these Hampton, Virginia, neighborhoods:
1. The Hampton Police Division and the community collaborated to create the local Watch program, which aims to restore local relationships and lower crime-related anxiety by bringing neighbors back into neighborhoods.
Participants in the program learn how to increase the security of their house and area, identify and report suspicious activity, and get to know one another and their daily routines.The program additionally arranges community engagement in police operations through the planning of gatherings, questionnaires, newsletters, and special events.
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2. At the work session of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (PDC) on Friday, January 5, 2024, local managers, mayors, and groups dedicated to preventing violence in the Hampton Roads area convened to discuss strategies for reducing violence within the community.
Presentations from neighborhood groups including Ketchmore Kids, League of Advocates, and Let Our Voices Empower, which offer constructive influence, direction, and assistance to children and adults who are at danger of violence or engaged in criminal activity, were included in the work session.
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3. A statewide project called the Police Open Data Project gathers and disseminates information from Virginia law enforcement organizations, including the Hampton Police Division, regarding both traffic and non-traffic stops.
The information in the data includes the driver’s or pedestrian’s race, gender, age, and the reason for the stop. It also contains the result of the stop, such as a warning, ticket, arrest, or search.
The project is to detect and resolve any potential inequalities or biases in policing procedures in addition to enhancing accountability, openness, and public trust in law enforcement.
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To Conclude
Dealing with the high crime rates in Hampton requires both recognizing the problem and taking action. Although the presented statistics show a serious situation, a collaborative and innovative approach is driving efforts for a safer future.
Residents involved in the Neighborhood Watch program demonstrate community resilience, and initiatives like the Police Open Data Project show a commitment to transparency.
There are undoubtedly challenges ahead. To address the root causes of crime, there needs to be a consistent investment in education, poverty reduction, and social support systems. Building trust between law enforcement and communities is crucial for effective intervention.
