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 opportunities for the residents, such as education, health care, job training, and addiction treatment, to improve their living conditions and prospects.
• Promoting economic development and diversification in the town, to create more jobs and income for the residents, and to reduce their dependence on tourism.
• Enhancing the security and maintenance of the town’s attractions, to protect them from crime and vandalism, and to improve their appeal and quality.

Conclusion

Wildwood is a town in New Jersey that has the highest crime rates in the state, and among the highest in the country. The town’s crime problem is caused by various factors, such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, gang activity, and lack of education. The town’s crime problem has serious consequences, not only for the residents, but also for the visitors and the businesses.

The town’s crime problem can be reduced by taking some steps, such as increasing the police presence and resources, implementing community policing and outreach programs, providing more social services and opportunities, promoting economic development and diversification, and enhancing the security and maintenance of the town’s attractions. Wildwood is a town that has a lot of potential, but it needs a lot of help to overcome its challenges and to become a safer and better place for everyone.