(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Residents of two countries hold overly negative views on public safety, according to a poll by the Pew Global Attitudes Project. At least 80 per cent of respondents in Venezuela and South Africa say there are areas near their homes where they would be afraid to walk alone at night.

Bolivia is next on the list with 71 per cent, followed by Kenya with 69 per cent, the Ivory Coast with 65 per cent, Brazil with 64 per cent, Peru and Chile with 61 per cent, Argentina with 56 per cent, Nigeria with 51 per cent, and Mexico and Ethiopia with 50 per cent. Conversely, less than 20 per cent of respondents in Indonesia, India, Egypt and Jordan report feeling insecure.

Venezuela has the highest murder rate in Latin America, with 12,557 homicides reported in 2006. On Jul. 23, interior minister Pedro Carreño said the government is planning the creation of a national police force, adding, "We have to continue to work to dismantle gangs."

Earlier this month, South African tourism minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk revealed that more than a third of potential visitors have cited safety concerns as a reason to avoid the country since 2002, adding, "Crime is an issue we have to deal with if we want to reach our target (of 10 million tourists during the 2010 World Cup.)"

Polling Data

Is there any area within a kilometre of your home where you would be afraid to walk alone at night?

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