New Jersey is a state with many attractions, such as the Jersey Shore, the Statue of Liberty, and the Pine Barrens. However, it also has some of the most dangerous cities in the country, according to the latest FBI data. Among them, one town stands out as the most violent of them all: Wildwood.

What Makes Wildwood So Dangerous?

Wildwood is a small town of about 5,000 residents in Cape May County, located on the southern tip of New Jersey. It is known for its beach, boardwalk, and amusement parks, which attract millions of tourists every year. However, behind the fun and sun, there is a dark side to this town.

According to the FBI, Wildwood had a total of 7,437 reported crimes in 2020, including 713 violent crimes and 6,724 property crimes. This means that the town had a violent crime rate of 13.7 per 100 residents, and a property crime rate of 129.5 per 100 residents. These rates are far higher than the state averages of 2.1 and 14.6, respectively.

Wildwood also ranks as the most violent town in New Jersey when compared to other towns with similar populations. For instance, Salem, which has a population of 4,931, had a violent crime rate of 41.8 per 100 residents, and a property crime rate of 68.8 per 100 residents. Penns Grove, which has a population of 4,899, had a violent crime rate of 36.7 per 100 residents, and a property crime rate of 54.6 per 100 residents.

What Are the Causes and Consequences of Wildwood’s Crime Problem?

There are many factors that contribute to Wildwood’s high crime rates, such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, gang activity, and lack of education. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Wildwood had a poverty rate of 28.9% in 2019, compared to the state average of 9.2%. The town also had an unemployment rate of 11.9% in 2020, compared to the state average of 7.8%. Additionally, Wildwood had a high school graduation rate of 77.4% in 2019, compared to the state average of 90.9%.

The consequences of Wildwood’s crime problem are severe, not only for the residents, but also for the visitors and the businesses. The residents face a constant threat of violence, theft, and vandalism, which affects their quality of life, health, and safety. The visitors, who come to enjoy the town’s attractions, may also become victims of crime, which damages the town’s reputation and tourism industry. The businesses, which rely on the revenue from the visitors, may suffer losses, closures, and lawsuits, which hurts the town’s economy and employment.

What Can Be Done to Improve Wildwood’s Situation?

There is no easy solution to Wildwood’s crime problem, but there are some possible steps that can be taken to reduce it. Some of these steps are:

• Increasing the police presence and resources in the town, especially during the peak tourist season, to deter and prevent crime.
• Implementing community policing and outreach programs, to build trust and cooperation between the police and the residents, and to address the underlying issues that lead to crime.
• Providing more social services and support for the low-income and vulnerable groups, such as education, health care, housing, and employment opportunities.
• Promoting positive and alternative activities for the youth, such as sports, arts, and mentoring, to keep them away from drugs and gangs.
• Enhancing the security and surveillance of the public and private properties, such as installing cameras, alarms, and locks, to protect them from theft and vandalism.

Conclusion

Wildwood is a town that has a lot of potential, but also a lot of problems. It is the most violent town in New Jersey, and one of the most dangerous in the country. The causes and consequences of its crime problem are complex and multifaceted, and require a comprehensive and collaborative approach to solve. By working together, the residents, the visitors, the businesses, and the authorities can make Wildwood a safer and better place for everyone.