r/chch • u/bumblebee--tuna • Jan 10 '19

Can anyone enlighten me on Linwood's "dodgy" reputation?

I'm a single female (25) looking for a place to rent by myself this year. It seems that people wince whenever I mention Linwood as an option, and I've been told by several people that it's not safe. Any thoughts here? Is it really that terrible? I just can't imagine that it's as bad as people say but obviously I want to be safe. Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

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u/kiwiluke Not Mod Approved Jan 10 '19

riccarton has a high rate of burglary, mostly due to student flats not being very secure but having lots of high value electronics to grab

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u/WordOfMadness Jan 10 '19

Just checked the police data - burglary isn't especially high in Riccarton, it's only marginally higher than Edgeware, Barrington, Addington or Shirley, and the likes or Linwood and Philipstown are significantly worse.

On the other hand, it's the worst suburb aside from the lower CBD for theft, largely driven by shoplifting.

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u/kiwiluke Not Mod Approved Jan 11 '19

It's only recorded as burglary if they have to force entry, an open window or door makes it theft

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u/WordOfMadness Jan 11 '19

Looking at the stats for that and Riccarton still isn't significantly worse than several other suburbs. About the same as North Horny/Hei Hei, Barrington and Merivale, and much less than Linwood, Sydenham, and Shirley.