• Comparing raw numbers of crimes in two areas to decide which is more safe is difficult. Tulsa is strip-zoned where residential areas are bordered by business districts.  A large amount of robberies in a particular area may be commercial and have nothing to do with nearby residences.

• No one can predict solely on the basis of past data exactly where crime will occur in the future. This makes it difficult to choose a house or a block that will always be "safe."  Criminals have cars or can steal them and are not restricted by where they live or work.

• Not all crime is reported to the police. As much as 50 percent of some types of crime may go unreported. Some people don't report crimes they consider minor.

• People are often most afraid of crimes committed by strangers. However, many crimes are committed by friends, acquaintances, and family members.

•  Most importantly, many things that may make you feel unsafe don't get included in crime statistics. Everyone is different. You may feel uncomfortable in places that are poorly lighted at night, or where there is a lot of noise, or where people hang out on street corners and ask for money. None of this shows up in our crime data.

• Experience your new location. Go there several times at different hours of the day and talk with neighbors, local businesses, religious institutions, etc. to see how people feel about living in the neighborhood.
• Contact the local neighborhood association. Find out what current issues and concerns are and how you can get involved.  The Mayor's Office for Neighborhood  can help identify the neighborhood association. Their phone number is (918)596-1292.