Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton all experience crime. Much of the crime is gang-related, so try to stay out of poor neighborhoods and housing projects. The main gangs are 18th Street, Black Dragons, Bloods, Crips, Latin Kings, Los Solidos, Mexican Mafia, and MS-13 in the area. They are the most violent gangs in the country.
Graffiti is also common, especially in Allentown and also on Bethlehem's South Side. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of certain areas at night. Prostitution and street drag racing are also issues in Lehigh Valley. Avoid walking alone late at night or on unlit streets or wandering too far off the main streets. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you do not want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but still do not flash around your money.
In 2006, Allentown had 16 murders, 42 rapes, and 6059 property crimes. (http://allentown.areaconn...) The crime index was 6667.5 per 100,000 in 2006, while the national average was only 4479.3. Allentown and Easton have crime rates almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Allentown is definitely the most crime-ridden city in Lehigh Valley.Rougher areas include Northern Allentown, South Bethlehem, and Pembroke in East Bethlehem. Crime is more likely to happen in those areas but can happen anywhere else.
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"Down the shore" is a common local reference to New Jersey beaches, located approximately 75 miles southeast from the Lehigh Valley.