safe city

Is Sydney A Safe City?

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    According to The Economist's 2019 Safe Cities Index, Sydney is the safest city in Australia and the fifth safest city in the world. For the third consecutive year, Tokyo ranked first among the safest cities in the world. Singapore, Osaka, and Amsterdam rounded out the top five.

    The rating takes into account a whopping fifty different statistical variables, including but not limited to crime levels, public health, electronic and infrastructure security, medical quality, terrorism risks, natural catastrophes, and road traffic deaths.

    Only Melbourne, Australia, represented Australia in the index of 60 global cities.

    When compared to Sydney, it scored similarly on measures of infrastructure security, health security, and digital security but fell short on measures of personal security. Melbourne ranked lower than nine other cities including Toronto, Washington, Copenhagen, and Seoul.

    As Australia’s most populous, oldest and largest city, Sydney is a magnet for tourists from all over the world.

    Sydney is well-known for its spectacularly gorgeous harbour, which features the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, and its magnificent beaches.

    The Harbour Bridge connects the downtown core with Lower North Coast, and its pedestrian walkway offers a breathtaking panorama of Sydney.

    The Royal Botanic Gardens, downtown Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Museum, and the Sydney Parliament House are also must-sees.

    The country of Australia is among the safest in the world, so visitors may wander freely and take in the sights of Sydney without fear.

    Suggestions For Staying Safe In Sydney

    • Avoid or be extra cautious in Charing Cross, Redfern, Cabramatta, Bridgeport, Campbelltown, Blacktown, Fairfield, Anfield Parramatta, and Penrith, as these areas have a higher than average crime rate. Keep to Sydney's more secure neighbourhoods like Bondi Beach, the Central Business District, and Lavender Bay.
    • Many people have drowned due to the severe undertows at Sydney's beaches. Don't go swimming in Sydney's waterways unless you're between both the red and yellow flags, as well as avoid doing so if you're alone, full, or impaired.
    • Poisonous insects, scorpions, snakes, and marine life are just some of the deadly species that call Sydney home. For quick medical assistance in Australia, dial 000 if you've been bitten or stung.

    Sydney's Safe And Dangerous Areas

    City Center, City South (save for George Street & Belmore Park, which are dangerous at night), Eastern Sydney, & Bondi are among the safest districts in Sydney, as are the suburbs of Honeysuckle Bay, Bankstown, Kettleman Hills, Hastings, Holroyd, the West End, and the Northern Beaches.

    But there are some neighbourhoods in Sydney that you should try to avoid at all costs. Campbelltown, Fairfield, and Blacktown are all in the high-crime danger zone (listed in a recent report as the Sydney suburb with the most burglaries). Additionally, Liverpool, Parramatta, & Penrith are all considered high-crime areas.

    There is some doubt amongst visitors as to the security of Cabramatta and Redfern. Despite its reputation for gang crime and drug addiction in previous decades, the Cabramatta neighbourhood (home to so many Vietnamese as well as other refugees) has gentrified in recent years, leading to a decrease in crime.

    Even though "the Block" and nearby Eveleigh Street have a history of protests, rioting, and drug problems, Redfern has undergone gentrification as well. It is recommended that visitors visiting both of these areas of Sydney travel in groups of three or more, particularly at night.

    Kings Cross, which has been known as Sydney's red light district for decades, is a highly populated area of the city centre where brothels and prostitution are both permitted. Although "the Cross" is notorious for its raucous nightlife, liquor violence, and muggings, the area has recently undergone gentrification because to a larger police presence and contentious "lockout regulations."

    If you must visit Kings Cross at night, it is recommended that you not travel alone and that you stay on the main thoroughfares. Also, be wary of people attempting to entice you while their accomplice steals your wallet or handbag in Kings Cross's many bars and nightclubs by charging exorbitant prices for beverages targeted at tourists. In addition, there have been stories of locals in Kings Cross offering to help tourists with their bags before making off with their belongings.

    How To Travel Safely In Sydney

    Sydney has many different forms of public transit, including subways, light rail, busses, and ferries, all of which are quite safe, as are the city's taxis and rideshares.

    In fact, every taxi in Sydney is inspected at random by government agencies and goes through a mandatory safety check every four months.

    Please inform a trusted friend or family member of your Uber or Lyft ride details. Keep in mind that the moment you enter a cab, you may be the subject of a video recording that lasts the duration of your ride.

    Even while it's typically safe to take the trains in Sydney, you shouldn't ride them alone late at night or hang out near the Central, Town Hall, Short- and long - term, Parramatta, Strathfield, Penrith, or Redfern stations, which have the highest rates of violent crime. A study conducted by the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Research and Statistics found that between the hours of 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., criminal events on the train system occur with the highest frequency.

    Pickpockets aren't typically a major issue in Sydney. Take the usual precautions against pickpockets, as you would in any large city: Do not let your guard down, keep your valuables near (under your clothing if possible), don't engage in small talk with strangers (their accomplices may rob you in the meantime), and consider purchasing a slash-proof backpack / purse.

    One of the most common crimes in Sydney is car break-ins, so if you're driving about the city, make sure to lock your doors and windows and hide any valuables under the seats.

    Sydney is rated as a medium risk in terms potential terrorism since there have been a number of small attacks in Australia and elsewhere in recent years, together with numerous foiled plots. If you are ever in a terrorist attack situation, get out of there as soon as possible and listen to the directions of the police.

    Finally, illegal drugs are now on the rise in Sydney, so stay away from them if you don't want to spend time behind bars: Possession and consumption of cocaine in Sydney have increased by over 40% recently.

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    Sydney's Safest Suburbs

    While there will always be some areas with higher crime rates, the Greater Sydney area as a whole is among the world's safest major cities.

    Outside of very few hotspots that can be "quite" terrible, yet nothing comparable to some of worst portions of big cities other parts of the globe, it is typically safe overall, and was ranked fifth on the list of the ten safest to visit in 2019.

    But which of Sydney's 658 or so neighbourhoods are the safest overall? In order to determine this, we have developed our own proprietary "Crime Score" ranking. The following equation forms the basis of the Crime Score:

    Your Crime Rating Is: Annual Average Number of Incidents x Annual Percentage of the Population Being Oppressed

    First, here is a complete, searchable, and sortable list of every Sydney suburb and its associated Crime Score:

    These extremely secure neighbourhoods are dispersed across Sydney, but they share commonalities such as lower-density homes, few or no high-rise apartment buildings, few or no public services, and limited access to the city's heavy rail system.

    So, with that out of the way, let's check out some of Sydney's most secure neighbourhoods.

    Clontarf

    • North Shore Area
    • Total Crime Index: 0.018

    Clontarf is an area of Sydney's Northern Beaches that is known for its clean, private bays with small sand beaches, as well as its abundance of beautiful, high-end residences. One may reasonably assume that the lowest crime rates would be found in the most expensive suburbs. While that would be ideal, it rarely holds true.

    Clontarf is a sparsely populated area because so much of it is made up of parks, reserves, waterfront areas, and walking paths, and because the housing density there is normally low.

    In addition to its relatively unimpressive natural attractions, the area is largely bereft of amenities and "to do" in general; add to this the scarcity of public transportation options, and you have an environment that is remarkably devoid of the kind of people and activities that tend to attract criminals.

    If you move only across the border to Balgowlah, you'll find a significant increase in crime rates, while Clontarf remains relatively free of big crime trends.

    Despite the lack of parking, Clontarf is still a great destination thanks to its charming beaches like Clontarf Beach or Sandy Bay, as well as the nearby Grotto Point Lighthouse as well as its breathtaking vistas of Middle Head and the rest of the coastline.

    Davidson

    • Locale: the Northern Suburbs
    • Total Crime Index: 0.018

    Davidson is a beautiful, low-key residential area that is part of the "Forest District" and is surrounded by plenty of greenery thanks to the large chunks of national park that surround it. Family-friendly and with spacious, upscale homes on quiet side streets, this area also boasts a high level of seclusion.

    Many of the residences in this neighbourhood, which is situated on a hillside, have sweeping views of the harbour and the central business district of Sydney, which is about 20 kilometres distant.

    Its proximity to two excellent public schools, as well as the fact that many of its people have lived there for decades without leaving, have made it a desirable place to raise a family for many years. A lot of what makes it so secure and peaceful is the fact that people tend to stick together.

    Apart from a few unremarkable cafes and restaurants, it has few further conveniences. You can get to Frenchs Forest's primary shopping and dining district in just over ten minutes by car. Public transportation is limited, so even on a good day, you can spend an hour on your way to City Hall.

    Davidson's accessibility to large tracts of wilderness is the town's main selling point, but it also benefits from the Christmas season's high demand for accommodation.

    Streets like Borgnis Street or Cambage Street, which are among the greatest in all of Sydney, have grown more famous for their Christmas Lights displays, transforming the typically tranquil neighbourhood into a bevvy of families seeking to take in the stunning spectacle.

    safe city

    Westleigh

    • Locale: the Northern Suburbs
    • Index of Criminal Activity: 0.017

    Westleigh, another extremely secure community hidden in dense Australian wilderness, is located in the north and boasts a calm and pleasant "village" vibe that seems escapist without compromising an extreme distances to services and facilities.

    It's another little-known and under-visited district of Sydney, yet it has some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the city, including a section of an epic hiking track, mountains bike routes, and a number of pleasant picnic areas.

    Despite the relative tranquilly of the area, its location is nonetheless quite convenient. Though there isn't a train station in Westleigh, getting to Hornsby, a nearby city, is quick and simple in a car. Westleigh likewise avoids the cacophony of through traffic, but commuters can still use the rail or the freeway to the city centre.

    Along with its always expanding selection of low-density homes, Westleigh Bush Park, with its more "wild" than "manicured" feel, and other nearby parks contribute to the area's nature-oriented cityscape. And it's not a featureless wasteland like many of the other safest suburbs on our list.

    While a Westfield is only a few minutes away in Hornsby, if you need more variety, the Westleigh Village retail centre is a good, well-rounded alternative for local shoppers.

    When you factor in the proximity to a few of the best schools on Sydney's North Shore, you have an underappreciated option for your family that is both secluded and convenient for those who live in Sydney.

    Bonnet Bay

    • Sutherland Shire is the location.
    • The Crime Index is: 0.013

    Is there any evidence that the Sydney suburbs with the best Christmas light displays also have the lowest crime rates? This writer had great memories when driving around Bonnet Bay as a child because it was a quiet, leafy community that had a reputation for having some of the best-lit houses in the area.

    Though it may not be as visually appealing as it once was, the suburb's physical setting remains undeniably appealing.

    Located in Sutherland Shire, high above the banks of the picturesque Woronora River, this quaint little neighbourhood is notable not just for its low crime rate, but also for its strong multi-generational family with occasional dashes of newer blood.

    The area is very lush, from the tree-lined avenues lined with large and medium-sized houses to the natural bushland that extends to the water's edge.

    A boat ramp provides easy access to the ocean, and the Bonnet Bay or Lakewood City Reserves provide expansive stretches of beautiful waterfront parkland that are especially well-equipped for children. It's surrounded by natural bushland, with plenty of great bush routes for hikers and people just want to get outside.

    Because of its out-of-the-way location, it never sees any passing traffic. On the other hand, it is not an amenity wasteland because of the excellent local school and the nearby commercial area with a supermarket.

    Even though it's not in the city proper, you can get into town quickly by taking the train to Jannali Station. The location, about 30 kilometres from Sydney's central business district, has reasonable commuting options.

    Port Hacking

    • Sutherland Shire is the location.
    • Indicator of Criminal Activity: 0.012

    Although the nearby waterway may be more well-known, Port Hacking itself is one of most expensive areas in all of Sutherland Shire. The area is perched on a bluff, so most residents can take in breathtaking vistas of the estuary and the verdant Royal National Park beyond.

    Wally's Wharf in neighbouring Dolan's Bay to the north provides easy access to the water, making this a popular spot for water sports like boating, kayaking, and fishing.

    Shiprock Reserve (so named for its rock structure that is formed exactly like what you'd anticipate) is a local landmark in Port Hacking and a great place to snorkel or scuba dive to see a wide variety of coral reefs, eels, fish, and more.

    With such a population of roughly 1,100, Port Hacking is one of the smaller suburbs on this list. Especially along the water's edge, the streetscape is anything but ordinary, including imposing high-rises and grand mansions.

    This means that, other from a few restaurants and small shops, most people who live here must travel to either Lilli Pilli (a smaller town) or Caringbah (a larger town) to satisfy their shopping requirements.

    In general, Port Hacking is peaceful due to its limited parking options and low volume of through traffic. However, the town sees a significant influx of visitors on the weekends who come to enjoy its waterfront. Snapper is a common catch, and other species thrive in the area's waters, making it a haven for anglers.

    Conclusion

    According to The Economist's 2019 Safe Cities Index, Sydney is the safest city in Australia. Tokyo ranked first among the safest cities in the world, Singapore, Osaka, and Amsterdam rounded out the top five. Melbourne ranked lower than nine other cities including Toronto, Washington, Copenhagen, and Seoul. Sydney has many different forms of public transit, including subways, light rail, busses, and ferries. But there are some neighbourhoods in Sydney that you should try to avoid at all costs.

    Campbelltown, Fairfield, and Blacktown are all in the high-crime danger zone. It's typically safe to take trains in Sydney, but don't hang out near the Central, Town Hall, Parramatta, Strathfield, Penrith, or Redfern stations. Sydney is rated as a medium risk in terms potential terrorism. Possession and consumption of cocaine in Sydney have increased by over 40% recently. Sydney's most secure neighbourhoods are dispersed across the city, but share commonalities such as lower-density homes and few or no high-rise apartment buildings.

    Clontarf is a sparsely populated area because so much of it is made up of parks, reserves, waterfront areas, and walking paths. Davidson is a beautiful, low-key residential area that is part of the "Forest District" surrounded by greenery. It has some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the city, including a section of an epic hiking track and mountain bike routes. The town's appeal lies in its accessibility to large tracts of wilderness, but it also benefits from the Christmas season's demand for accommodation. Located in Sutherland Shire, high above the banks of the picturesque Woronora River, this quaint little neighbourhood is notable not just for its low crime rate, but also for its strong multi-generational family.

    The area is very lush, from the tree-lined avenues lined with large and medium-sized houses to the natural bushland that extends to the water's edge. Port Hacking is one of the most expensive areas in all of Sutherland Shire. The area is perched on a bluff, so most residents can take in breathtaking vistas of the estuary and the Royal National Park beyond.

    Content Summary:

    • According to The Economist's 2019 Safe Cities Index, Sydney is the safest city in Australia and the fifth safest city in the world.
    • For the third consecutive year, Tokyo ranked first among the safest cities in the world.
    • Singapore, Osaka, and Amsterdam rounded out the top five.
    • The rating takes into account a whopping fifty different statistical variables, including but not limited to crime levels, public health, electronic and infrastructure security, medical quality, terrorism risks, natural catastrophes, and road traffic deaths.
    • Only Melbourne, Australia, represented Australia in the index of 60 global cities.
    • When compared to Sydney, it scored similarly on measures of infrastructure security, health security, and digital security but fell short on measures of personal security.
    • Melbourne ranked lower than nine other cities including Toronto, Washington, Copenhagen, and Seoul.
    • As Australia's most populous, oldest and largest city, Sydney is a magnet for tourists from all over the world.
    • Sydney is well-known for its spectacularly gorgeous harbour, which features the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, and its magnificent beaches.
    • The country of Australia is among the safest in the world, so visitors may wander freely and take in the sights of Sydney without fear.
    • Keep to Sydney's more secure neighbourhoods like Bondi Beach, the Central Business District, and Lavender Bay.
    • Many people have drowned due to the severe undertows at Sydney's beaches.
    • Don't go swimming in Sydney's waterways unless you're between both the red and yellow flags, as well as avoid doing so if you're alone, full, or impaired.
    • Poisonous insects, scorpions, snakes, and marine life are just some of the deadly species that call Sydney home.
    • But there are some neighbourhoods in Sydney that you should try to avoid at all costs.
    • Campbelltown, Fairfield, and Blacktown are all in the high-crime danger zone (listed in a recent report as the Sydney suburb with the most burglaries).
    • Additionally, Liverpool, Parramatta, & Penrith are all considered high-crime areas.
    • There is some doubt amongst visitors as to the security of Cabramatta and Redfern.
    • Despite its reputation for gang crime and drug addiction in previous decades, the Cabramatta neighbourhood (home to so many Vietnamese as well as other refugees) has gentrified in recent years, leading to a decrease in crime.
    • It is recommended that visitors visiting both of these areas of Sydney travel in groups of three or more, particularly at night.
    • Kings Cross, which has been known as Sydney's red light district for decades, is a highly populated area of the city centre where brothels and prostitution are both permitted.
    • "If you must visit Kings Cross at night, it is recommended that you not travel alone and that you stay on the main thoroughfares.
    • Also, be wary of people attempting to entice you while their accomplice steals your wallet or handbag in Kings Cross's many bars and nightclubs by charging exorbitant prices for beverages targeted at tourists.
    • Sydney has many different forms of public transit, including subways, light rail, busses, and ferries, all of which are quite safe, as are the city's taxis and rideshares.
    • Please inform a trusted friend or family member of your Uber or Lyft ride details.
    • Even while it's typically safe to take the trains in Sydney, you shouldn't ride them alone late at night or hang out near the Central, Town Hall, Short- and long - term, Parramatta, Strathfield, Penrith, or Redfern stations, which have the highest rates of violent crime.
    • A study conducted by the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Research and Statistics found that between the hours of 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., criminal events on the train system occur with the highest frequency.
    • Pickpockets aren't typically a major issue in Sydney.
    • Take the usual precautions against pickpockets, as you would in any large city: Do not let your guard down, keep your valuables near (under your clothing if possible), don't engage in small talk with strangers (their accomplices may rob you in the meantime), and consider purchasing a slash-proof backpack / purse.
    • One of the most common crimes in Sydney is car break-ins, so if you're driving about the city, make sure to lock your doors and windows and hide any valuables under the seats.
    • Sydney is rated as a medium risk in terms potential terrorism since there have been a number of small attacks in Australia and elsewhere in recent years, together with numerous foiled plots.
    • If you are ever in a terrorist attack situation, get out of there as soon as possible and listen to the directions of the police.
    • Finally, illegal drugs are now on the rise in Sydney, so stay away from them if you don't want to spend time behind bars: Possession and consumption of cocaine in Sydney have increased by over 40% recently.safe city (2) Sydney's Safest Suburbs While there will always be some areas with higher crime rates, the Greater Sydney area as a whole is among the world's safest major cities.
    • Outside of very few hotspots that can be "quite" terrible, yet nothing comparable to some of worst portions of big cities other parts of the globe, it is typically safe overall, and was ranked fifth on the list of the ten safest to visit in 2019.But which of Sydney's 658 or so neighbourhoods are the safest overall?
    • In order to determine this, we have developed our own proprietary "Crime Score" ranking.
    • First, here is a complete, searchable, and sortable list of every Sydney suburb and its associated Crime Score:These extremely secure neighbourhoods are dispersed across Sydney, but they share commonalities such as lower-density homes, few or no high-rise apartment buildings, few or no public services, and limited access to the city's heavy rail system.
    • So, with that out of the way, let's check out some of Sydney's most secure neighbourhoods.
    • Clontarf North Shore Area Total Crime Index: 0.018 Clontarf is an area of Sydney's Northern Beaches that is known for its clean, private bays with small sand beaches, as well as its abundance of beautiful, high-end residences.
    • One may reasonably assume that the lowest crime rates would be found in the most expensive suburbs.
    • Clontarf is a sparsely populated area because so much of it is made up of parks, reserves, waterfront areas, and walking paths, and because the housing density there is normally low.
    • If you move only across the border to Balgowlah, you'll find a significant increase in crime rates, while Clontarf remains relatively free of big crime trends.
    • Davidson Locale: the Northern Suburbs Total Crime Index: 0.018 Davidson is a beautiful, low-key residential area that is part of the "Forest District" and is surrounded by plenty of greenery thanks to the large chunks of national park that surround it.
    • Its proximity to two excellent public schools, as well as the fact that many of its people have lived there for decades without leaving, have made it a desirable place to raise a family for many years.
    • A lot of what makes it so secure and peaceful is the fact that people tend to stick together.
    • Apart from a few unremarkable cafes and restaurants, it has few further conveniences.
    • You can get to Frenchs Forest's primary shopping and dining district in just over ten minutes by car.
    • Public transportation is limited, so even on a good day, you can spend an hour on your way to City Hall.
    • Davidson's accessibility to large tracts of wilderness is the town's main selling point, but it also benefits from the Christmas season's high demand for accommodation.
    • It's another little-known and under-visited district of Sydney, yet it has some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the city, including a section of an epic hiking track, mountains bike routes, and a number of pleasant picnic areas.
    • Despite the relative tranquillity of the area, its location is nonetheless quite convenient.
    • Though there isn't a train station in Westleigh, getting to Hornsby, a nearby city, is quick and simple in a car.
    • Westleigh likewise avoids the cacophony of through traffic, but commuters can still use the rail or the freeway to the city centre.
    • Along with its ever- expanding selection of low-density homes, Westleigh Bush Park, with its more "wild" than "manicured" feel, and other nearby parks contribute to the area's nature-oriented cityscape.
    • And it's not a featureless wasteland like many of the other safest suburbs on our list.
    • While a Westfield is only a few minutes away in Hornsby, if you need more variety, the Westleigh Village retail centre is a good, well-rounded alternative for local shoppers.
    • When you factor in the proximity to a few of the best schools on Sydney's North Shore, you have an underappreciated option for your family that is both secluded and convenient for those who live in Sydney.
    • Bonnet Bay Sutherland Shire is the location.
    • The Crime Index is: 0.013 Is there any evidence that the Sydney suburbs with the best Christmas light displays also have the lowest crime rates?
    • This writer had great memories when driving around Bonnet Bay as a child because it was a quiet, leafy community that had a reputation for having some of the best-lit houses in the area.
    • Though it may not be as visually appealing as it once was, the suburb's physical setting remains undeniably appealing.
    • Located in Sutherland Shire, high above the banks of the picturesque Woronora River, this quaint little neighbourhood is notable not just for its low crime rate, but also for its strong multi-generational family with occasional dashes of newer blood.
    • The area is very lush, from the tree-lined avenues lined with large and medium-sized houses to the natural bushland that extends to the water's edge.
    • A boat ramp provides easy access to the ocean, and the Bonnet Bay or Lakewood City Reserves provide expansive stretches of beautiful waterfront parkland that are especially well-equipped for children.
    • It's surrounded by natural bushland, with plenty of great bush routes for hikers and people just want to get outside.
    • Because of its out-of-the-way location, it never sees any passing traffic.
    • On the other hand, it is not an amenity wasteland because of the excellent local school and the nearby commercial area with a supermarket.
    • Even though it's not in the city proper, you can get into town quickly by taking the train to Jannali Station.
    • The location, about 30 kilometres from Sydney's central business district, has reasonable commuting options.
    • Port Hacking Sutherland Shire is the location.
    • Indicator of Criminal Activity: 0.012 Although the nearby waterway may be more well-known, Port Hacking itself is one of most expensive areas in all of Sutherland Shire.
    • The area is perched on a bluff, so most residents can take in breathtaking vistas of the estuary and the verdant Royal National Park beyond.
    • Wally's Wharf in neighbouring Dolan's Bay to the north provides easy access to the water, making this a popular spot for water sports like boating, kayaking, and fishing.
    • Shiprock Reserve (so named for its rock structure that is formed exactly like what you'd anticipate) is a local landmark in Port Hacking and a great place to snorkel or scuba dive to see a wide variety of coral reefs, eels, fish, and more.
    • With such a population of roughly 1,100, Port Hacking is one of the smaller suburbs on this list.
    • Especially along the water's edge, the streetscape is anything but ordinary, including imposing high-rises and grand mansions.
    • This means that, other from a few restaurants and small shops, most people who live here must travel to either Lilli Pilli (a smaller town) or Caringbah (a larger town) to satisfy their shopping requirements.
    • In general, Port Hacking is peaceful due to its limited parking options and low volume of through traffic.
    • However, the town sees a significant influx of visitors on the weekends who come to enjoy its waterfront.
    • Snapper is a common catch, and other species thrive in the area's waters, making it a haven for anglers.

    FAQs About Sydney

    Sydney is generally a safe city by world standards. However, as with any other large city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take reasonable precautions to stay safe.

    Some of the safest areas in Sydney include City Center, City South (except for George Street and Belmore Park, both of which can be dangerous at night), East Sydney, and Bondi, as well as the suburbs of Lavender Bay, Bankstown, Baulkham Hills, Hawkesbury, Holroyd, the Inner West, and the Northern Beaches, among others.

    Areas to avoid in Sydney, however, include Campbelltown, which has a high crime rate, as well as Fairfield and Blacktown (listed in a recent report as the Sydney suburb with the most burglaries). Other higher-crime suburbs include Liverpool, Parramatta, and Penrith.

    From using the metro over the years, the roughest stops seem to be Meadowell or Percy Main. Most times, there are groups of young charvers hanging about. Elswick, Lemington, Scotswood area.

    Its core for infrastructure security, health security and digital security matched that of Sydney's, but it fell short in terms of personal security. Toronto, Washington, Copenhagen and Seoul all placed above Melbourne in the top ten.

    Sydney has overtaken Melbourne as the safer Australian city in new rankings, though both can lay claim to being among the safest cities in the world. Sydney outranked Melbourne on two measures, including personal security (86.8 to 89.1) and health security (79.3 to 79.8).

    The Safe Cities Index 2019, produced by The Economist Intelligence Unit, ranked 60 major cities, looking at everything from crime rates and road safety to digital security and quality of healthcare.

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