More cameras, less crime — Why it only ‘feels’ more dangerous out there

Despite frequent news coverage suggesting otherwise, crime rates around the world have decreased significantly over the past few decades. While crime did peak in the 1990s, statistics from the Bureau of Justice and the FBI show that homicides, burglaries, and other crimes have steadily declined since then.

However, the rise in surveillance technology has altered public perception. The availability of cameras and the ability to share footage instantly have created the impression that crime is more prevalent. In reality, what has increased is our visibility of crime, not the crime rate itself.

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In the early 1990s, there were only a few million security cameras in use in the U.S., but today, there are over 200 million. As a result, many crimes that would have gone unnoticed are now being captured and shared widely.

While news outlets may portray the world as increasingly dangerous, the data suggests otherwise. As more footage surfaces, it’s important to remember that what we see is only a fraction of the bigger picture. Crime rates are down, but visibility is up, meaning context is crucial when interpreting crime statistics.

Next time you encounter alarming crime reports, remember that things may not be as they seem.