Cabbagetown is a Toronto neighbourhood located in the city’s downtown core. The neighbourhood’s northern boundary is Wellesley Street while Gerrard Street is the southern boundary. Cabbagetown goes as far west as Sherbourne Street and east to the Don River. The area consists of many single-family homes, many of which are well-preserved Victorian houses. Cabbagetown is home to a very diverse class of people. Artists, musicians, journalists, writers, professors, doctors, social workers and students all live in the neighbourhood. There is also a number of businesses in the region, including restaurants, bars, cafes and other stores. Unfortunately, like a Toronto neighbourhoods, it is also home to crime. In the area between Wellesley Street and Carlton Street and west of Parliament Street, there is an average of 11.27 crimes against people per 1,000 people living and working in the area. There is an average of 33.85 crimes against property in that area. Near Allan Gardens – the area bordered by Carlton, Gerrard, Sherbourne and Parliament – there is 28.23 crimes against people and 49.85 crimes against property. South Cabbagetown is the area that has historically been considered Cabbagetown. That area is east of Parliament and west to the Don River. In that area, there is an average of 15.91 crimes against people and 47.54 crimes against property. In 2010 a man broke into two Cabbagetown properties armed with a weapon. In the first situation he broke into a ground floor apartment near Parliament Street and Shuter Street and threatened the woman in the apartment with a knife. A few days later the same man entered a store near Parliament and Gerrard Street and assaulted the store’s female owner. Police released a sketch of the criminal to the public in hopes of finding out additional information. If security cameras had been present at either location, the police would have additional details about the suspect. Also, it’s important to pay attention to alternate entrances in an apartment or house. While many people take the necessary precautions to secure their front door, they often ignore alternate entrances such as screen doors, side doors and balconies. Criminals often use these entrances to break into properties. They should all be secured with strong locks, bars or gates. It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings at all time. Unfortunately, criminals pray on those who are distracted or otherwise occupied as well as those who look intimidated or unaware. Paying attention to your surroundings at all time is an important way to keep yourself safe. Even if you happen to live in a Toronto neighbourhood where crime is low, there is always a possibility for crime. The crime rate of Cabbagetown is quite average for the city of Toronto and thus taking important precautions could mean the difference between staying safe and becoming a victim of crime. When combined with a strong home security system or business security system, keeping an eye on your surroundings and preparing for as many potential criminal situations as you can goes a long way to protecting yourself and your property.