“A city that’s scared is not a city that’s safe.”

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said that as she defended the city’s sanctuary status before the U.S. House Oversight Committee last year.

Some of her constituents couldn’t agree more, as a new survey found that more than half of residents feel unsafe in downtown Boston.

A majority of downtown Boston residents say they feel less safe than they did a year ago, according to a new survey, as a series of violent incidents this summer renewed concerns about public safety.

More people feel unsafe in downtown, survey

WCVB reports on DBNA’s 2026 survey, which found 56% feel less safe Downtown and on Boston Common as residents call for a sustained police presence.

A GBH News report on DBNA’s 2026 safety survey examines residents’ growing concerns and calls from Downtown businesses for a more visible police presence.

More than half of residents feel unsafe in downtown Boston and are asking for the city to deploy more police to the area on a regular basis to counteract crime, according to a new survey.

A person was stabbed near Downtown Crossing and hospitalized with life-threatening injuries Friday night, according to Boston police. No arrests had been announced as of Sunday morning.

Boston police report an arrest in connection with two alleged Downtown assaults. Both victims were treated at hospitals for injuries described as non-life-threatening.

Boston police report towing six mopeds and motorcycles and making two arrests in a Downtown Operation Kickstand initiative addressing unlawful vehicle operation.

When people don’t feel safe, the response shouldn’t be to throw data at them saying they’re wrong

Operation Kickstand in Downtown Boston results in two arrests, eight mopeds towed, citations, and summonses. Police also report recovering suspected fentanyl pills.

Boston police tow seven mopeds during a Downtown enforcement operation, issuing citations and summonses as Operation Kickstand addresses safety and quality-of-life concerns.

Recent high-profile violence raises concerns despite declining crime rates.

Councilor Ed Flynn seeks an emergency City Council session on Downtown safety, following the One Downtown Task Force meeting and DBNA’s public-safety advocacy.

A man was fatally stabbed during a fight at Boston’s South Station yesterday, and today, two people were taken to the hospital after a stabbing on Lancaster Street in Boston’s West End. These incidents come as Boston’s homicide rate has seemingly tripled from January through May to June through August. Babak Bina, who owns nearly 10 restaurants and bars in Downtown Crossing, would like to see foot-patrol officers in the area to help cut down on crime. Bina joined Dan to discuss!

An escalator inside South Station was a crime scene Wednesday night, but Thursday it was filled with its usual commuters during the morning rush.

Recent violence in and around Downtown Crossing is prompting calls for a greater police presence as city leaders and business owners push for changes to improve safety in one of Boston’s busiest areas.

After a string of violent incidents in downtown Boston and a major meeting of local leaders last week, the area is set to see an increased police presence, according to the group that convened the meeting. 

Following a recent spike in violence, including a murder on Boston Common, the neighborhood's residents and business owners say robberies, shoplifting and drug dealing is an ongoing problem and they want the city to do more to address crime.

The Boston Police Department during “Operation Avengers” arrested five alleged shoplifters at the Downtown Crossing CVS between 9 a.m. and noon on Thursday.