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The 5 Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S.

FBI data suggests that these destinations struggle with safety — but hope is on the rise

by: Alexis Flippin | from: Frommer’s Travel | February 10, 2012

Every year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) releases its annual Uniform Crime Report. From this report, we can list (statistically) America’s most dangerous cities. Some might surprise you; others not so much. Regardless, all are selected based on hard data compiled by the bureau’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) unit.

Even though economic woes are up, violent crime is down in the United States. — Photo by Getty Images

Don’t let this list get you down, though. The overall picture is actually much sunnier: Even though economic woes are up, crime (particularly violent crime) is down in the United States, and it’s been trending downward for the last five years. But that doesn't mean you should abandon common sense wherever and whenever you travel. In general, avoid deserted areas, particularly at night, leave your valuables at home, and park in well-lighted areas. Finally, keep in mind that statistics only tell a small part of the story; talk to locals for a fuller picture. ...

http://www.aarp.org/travel/destinations/info-02-2012/five-most-dangerous-cities.1.html

     You've got to love how this Sally Sunshine article comically tries to downplay the horrendous facts. Apparently there are some segments of our population who have, as of yet, not received their memos notifying them of the "sunnier" news that their violent crime rates should be going "down."