Do you Feel Safe in the Urban Space? From Perceptions to Associated Variables

Approximately one in five visitors to the Historic Centre of Porto (HCP) report feelings of insecurity, primarily due to concerns about robbery and theft. These perceptions are influenced by factors such as nationality, education level, criminal activity awareness, policing adequacy, satisfaction with law enforcement, and the duration of time spent in the area—whether for living, studying, or working. The study, based on responses from 554 participants, identified robbery, theft, and drug trafficking as the most common crimes perceived by visitors, while incivilities also contributed to a sense of unease. To address these concerns, the research suggests targeted measures that could enhance security perceptions in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Azevedo, V., Sani, A., Nunes, L. M., & Paulo, D. (2021). Do you Feel Safe in the Urban Space? From Perceptions to Associated Variables. Anuario de Psicología Jurídica, 31(1), 75–84. https://doi.org/10.5093/apj2021a12