A: I am noticing quite a few houses have bars in front of the windows. Q: Do you think that is to deter property crime? A: Oh, absolutely, absolutely....and possible bodily crime too, depending on the inhabitant, but the main reason would be for property crime, for this time of the day, when people are not at home.

Q: What are indicators that makes you say it′s a poorer area? A: The way the houses are. There′s a lot of trash in the front and old furniture. A: If there were more people around, I would probably feel safer.

Q: How do you like this neighborhood? Is it different? A: A little bit. It just seems like people are more aware of their surroundings and keeping their lawns and cars and everything together and nice.

Q: Do you use public transportation? A: No. (the most common answer)

Q: I see that everybody has cars at these houses, even though they do not look so nice. A: Another thing I′ve noticed is people parking in their yard, even when there′s a driveway.

A: I think the assumption is in “nicer areas” you′re at less of a risk of crime. Q: Yes, that is the assumption. A: But unless there′s a neighborhood watch, we could easily park in front of a house, break into in, and be out in 5 min, if not less. That why I say there′s an “illusion of safety” for people here.