The most dangerous streets in Oakland in the 2015-2016 school year
No college neighborhood is perfect – Oakland has come a long way, but it still has a long way to go
Oakland has changed drastically since the 1970s and 1980s. Sexual violence and crimes have been declining for decades. The second most populous neighborhood in Pittsburgh has gone through a revolution.
However, it is still far from perfect. Theft, assault, and vandalism still have a fairly commanding presence. Three murders involving Port Authority buses were reported during the month of October alone. Just like any other city neighborhood, there are both safe and dangerous streets, but certain streets appear to be more dangerous than others.
Using an online crime database, all reports of crime between August 2015 and March 2016 were examined to determine the most dangerous streets in Oakland so far this academic year.
Juliet Street & Ward Street
These two roads that intersect Boulevard of the Allies, have had their fair share of crime, mostly because of the proximity to the One Stop Convenience Store. All crimes on these two streets have been linked to robbery, theft, and burglary. They were especially concentrated on this block of Juliet Street, pictured below:
Juliet Street
Ward Street
At the corner of Boulevard of the Allies and Ward Street.
Historic area
In the historic area, which includes Oakland Way and Oakland Square, there was another large concentration of thefts and even arson. There were at least two cases in which arson was involved, marking the only two arson reports in Oakland during this school year.
Quite a few households in this neighborhood are older than the average Oakland residence.
Oakland Way
Forbes Avenue
For many reasons, Forbes Avenue is the most dangerous street in Oakland. Not only is it home to the most thefts, burglaries, and robberies on campus, it is also infamous for its drivers and for its irresponsible pedestrians.
The numerous bars and restaurants surrounding the road also provide for an extremely lively nightlife, one that has played a part in twelve heavier crimes since the beginning of the school year, including arrests for physical violence.
An intersection on Forbes Avenue.
Further down on Forbes Ave, towards the Cathedral of Learning, a 34-year old woman was struck by a bus in October 2015. In her memory, there is a bicycle painted white, chained to a pole near the place of her accident, covered with flowers. Elsewhere in Oakland, other incidents between people and buses have occurred.
A small memorial honors Susan Hicks, 34, who was struck by a bus on Forbes Avenue last October.
Aside from the occasional incident, Oakland has become the perfect college neighborhood, filled with great eateries, museums, and parks. It is a far safer place than it was only thirty to forty years ago.
This article is dedicated to the victims of Oakland crimes that have gone unreported. May this neighborhood eventually become the safe haven you all deserve.
Statistics were taken directly from an online database that compiles all crimes reported to the Pittsburgh Police Department.