| Arvada, Colorado is located just seven miles northwest of the state’s capital. It is part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Area, and is technically considered a Home Rule Municipality. Generally speaking, these can be either cities or towns, although, with a population of more than 113,000, it is certainly large enough to meet the criteria for being considered a city. Many residents take advantage of the area’s proximity to Denver and Boulder and commute to work at a variety of both white-collar and blue-collar jobs. One disadvantage of this commuter culture is the city’s often prohibitively high real estate prices. In a state well-known for its exorbitantly expensive real estate, Arvada does not stand out. In comparison to national averages, however, housing costs in the area are extremely high. Unsurprisingly, housing prices are almost directly correlated to neighborhood safety. Those living in Mount Olivet, Leyden, and Wallace Village all experience lower rates of violent and property crime than those living closer to the city center. This is particularly unsurprising when geography is taken into consideration. The area shares a western border with the Coal Creek Canyon, and a northwestern border with Rocky Flats. In comparison, the city center is much closer to both Denver and Westminster, other large metropolitan areas. Locals looking into installing alarm systems or taking other private security measures, as well as those considering a move to the area, should take a look at local crime statistics. Generally speaking, when compared to other cities with similar population size, Arvada’s crime rates are much lower than average. Only one out of every thousand residents becomes a victim of violent crime each year. Chances of experiencing some form of property crime are, however, significantly higher: one in 40. Often the rate of property crime experienced in a metropolitan area is correlated to the average income of its residents. The vast majority of residents also own their own homes, and live in single-family homes, rather than apartment complexes. Housing type, location, proximity to other households, and general crime statistics should all play a role in deciding what level of security is appropriate. A house that is nestled into a well-protected neighborhood, whose residents form a cohesive community and keep an eye out for suspicious behavior, is less likely to be targeted than one located in a more isolated area. Similarly, houses set further back from the street, or on a street without adequate lighting, are more likely to be broken into. Other factors that should influence a homeowner’s decision regarding the installation of more substantial security features include the presence of side or back doors that are not easily visible, or landscaping features on the property that might block the view. Additionally, those with bay windows or other architectural features making them easier to see into may become targets if the house’s residents readily display the wealth of goods inside. Several years ago, two teenage suspects were taken into custody after breaking into a town-home in the western area of the city. They were only able to be apprehended by police due to a neighbor’s diligence. These two teens were determined to be part of a larger burglary ring, explaining several other break-ins in the area. Upon discovering the ring, police managed to recover a good deal of stolen property, including electronics, jewelry, and guns. More recently, in August, two suspects broke into a home on Upham Street, stealing credit cards and a laptop from its inhabitants before making a getaway. The credit cards were later used at nearby businesses, allowing police to recover surveillance video of the suspects. One was a Hispanic man, the other a heavy-set blond woman. The vast majority of burglars across the country are men, and this unlikely couple has yet to be apprehended. Police are asking for help from local residents and community members in identifying them after releasing their photographs to the public. These examples highlights the importance of community action, and taking active steps toward maintaining good relationships with the neighbors. In one case, the suspects were quickly apprehended thanks to neighborly vigilance. The second set of suspects is more likely to be caught if members of the community rally together once again to work actively toward identifying them. Knowing whether or not the immediate community is willing to take an active role in preventing crime and apprehending suspects can go a long way toward providing a higher level of security, and consequently a lower level of stress, for Arvada’s residents. For those who don’t have the benefit of conscientious neighbors, externally monitored home alarms may be a better option. Homes that are protected by alarm systems are far less likely to experience even attempted break-ins, and should particularly intrepid burglars attempt a home invasion despite the presence of an alarm, the suspects are more likely to be caught when the proper authorities are notified and can take action immediately. Rates of violent crime in the area are extremely low, with an incident rate of only 1.49 out of every 1,000 residents. Nationally, the median is 3.8. Only one case of murder was reported last year, along with 92 assaults. This leaves the local police department with more time and resources to devote to fighting ostensibly less severe, but also more common, acts of vandalism, burglary, and home-invasion. A combination of fast police response times, healthy relationships with any neighbors, and adequate security precautions on the part of homeowners can all help to make rates of these less deadly but equally unfortunate crimes even lower in the future. |
