Looking at the 2024 crime rate in Myrtle Beach can be useful if you plan to move there or are just visiting for a beach vacation. Beautiful beaches and exciting entertainment are available to both locals and tourists in this energetic seaside community in South Carolina.
To guarantee protection, it’s crucial to comprehend the specifics of the local criminal scene. The average crime rate in South Carolina and the US has generally been substantially lower than the city’s rate of violent crime.
This frequently surprises people, since they think that, because of the tourist and urban growth, this city is safe. Even if there are a lot of subtle factors that affect crime rates, knowing about them is beneficial.
Local law enforcement organizations use initiatives and tactics, such as community policing, high-crime area patrols, crime prevention programmes, and more, to improve general safety and security.
Myrtle Beach Crime Rate
The city of Myrtle Beach is located along South Carolina’s gorgeous coast. Myrtle Beach faces a distinct and ever-changing criminal environment that is a reflection of its thriving tourism sector and multicultural populace.
The city, which is well-known for its beautiful beaches and exciting nightlife, is home to a wide range of illegal activities, from theft and burglary to the sporadic use of violence.
Although particular crime rate measurements are not yet available due to the early start of the year, crime patterns indicate that general crime rates in Myrtle Beach are expected to fall.
With a population of over 36,500 and an average of almost 2,000 reported crime incidents, Myrtle Beach is the sixth most dangerous place in South Carolina.
The city has a violent crime rate of approximately 49.31 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the state and national averages. The overall crime rate is 226.80, which raises concerns about safety.
Myrtle Beach’s violent crime index is greater at 76.3 than North Myrtle Beach’s comparative statistic of 27.7, which emphasizes the difficulties in preserving public safety inside the city limits.
Types Of Crimes Committed In Myrtle Beach
In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, certain categories of crimes are perpetrated more frequently than others, such as the following:
Property Crimes: These crimes comprise transgressions like car theft, vandalism, and burglary. In Myrtle Beach, property crimes are considered to be the most often reported offense, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Violent Crimes: Crimes involving the execution of force or the influence of force over another person are classified as violent crimes. These crimes might include homicide, robbery, and assault. Though violent crime is generally less common in Myrtle Beach than property crime, tragically, instances do happen occasionally, particularly during the busiest travel seasons in some of the town’s neighborhoods.
Crimes Related To Drugs: Illegal drug trafficking, distribution, and possession are all considered drug offenses. To address concerns about public safety and lower drug-related crime, law enforcement agencies in Myrtle Beach frequently target drug-related activity.
DUI: Due in large part to the influx of tourists, driving under the influence incidents involving drugs or alcohol are frequent in Myrtle Beach. Due to the high incidence of DUIs, law enforcement frequently conducts DUI checkpoints & patrols in the area.
Financial Crimes: Crimes including credit card fraud, identity theft, and fraud might occur; they usually target visitors or locals with less local knowledge.
Domestic Crimes: Abuse in personal relationships that is emotional, physical, or psychological is considered a domestic crime.
Tourist Related Crimes: In Myrtle Beach, there are a number of crimes committed by tourists, such as pickpocketing, fraud, and burglary of personal property. Such crimes are more common in areas with heavy tourist traffic, like hotels, entertainment districts, and beaches.
Despite being a somewhat safe beach, Myrtle Beach’s crime rates and trends can change over time due to a variety of reasons, including economic situations, seasonal variations, and police enforcement tactics.
In order to confront and reduce crime in Myrtle Beach, community engagement, cooperation involving law enforcement agencies as well as local stakeholders, and crime prevention initiatives are crucial.