By Khalida Sarwari
The city of Saratoga is the safest city in California, according to a recent report by SafeWise Security Systems.
The home security resource company named Saratoga first among the 50 safest cities in California with at least 20,000 residents, stating, “The most recent FBI crime report reveals that less than 20 violent crimes and two robberies were reported in law enforcement in 2011, which is commendable.”
The study was based on data from the most recent FBI statistics as well as the company’s own research since 2011.
“It’s a great honor for Saratoga to be named the safest city in California,” said Mayor Jill Hunter. “As a longtime resident, my family and I have always felt safe in our home and out in the community. I’d particularly like to thank our police force, who frequently holds awareness meetings in neighborhoods and for their rapid response when there is a problem.”
Hunter attributed the city’s safety to the community’s commitment to civic engagement. Many residents in Saratoga volunteer and are regularly out in the community helping in one capacity or another, and thus getting to meet and know their neighbors, Hunter said.
“I think there’s also a sense of community where people watch out for each other and they stay vigilant as to what is going on in their neighborhoods,” she said. “And I think we are a very friendly community. We all know our neighbors. We just keep in contact with each other all the time so when something out of the ordinary happens, we’re aware of it.”
The SafeWise report described Saratoga as a welcoming and relaxing residential community.
“Overflowing with opportunities for community engagement, recreation and a strong business vibe, it’s no wonder once families move to Saratoga they tend to stay,” the report stated.
Three of the state’s safest cities are located in the South Bay, including Los Altos, Cupertino and Sunnyvale. The other Bay Area cities on that list were Danville, San Ramon, Foster City, Pacifica, Hercules, Dublin, Lafayette, Benicia, Oakley, Petaluma, Pleasanton and Belmont.
Visit safewise.com/blog/50-safest-cities-california to see the complete list.
Saratoga is state’s safest city, says poll by SafeWise Security Systems
