How safe is your zip code? Violence is spreading, and in San Antonio, it has no boundaries.
A violent crime includes assaults, armed robberies, murders and domestic violence. So KENS 5 set out to find the most dangerous zip codes in the city.
Here are the facts: Zip code 78207 had the most violent crimes since January 2009, with a total of 1,715. That zip code includes hot tourism spots and the Bexar County Jail and Magistrate's office.
And while that number of violent crimes is alarming compared to all other zip codes, Sgt. Chris Benavides says that number can be misleading.
"Most, if not all, of these violent crimes have a common denominator," he said. Many are isolated incidents.
"78207 encompasses so much of the residential area, too," Benavides said. "So it's not so much downtown businesses. We do have our fair share of family violence calls,"
Violent crimes also plague the south side. Zip code 78223 has had a total of 864 violent crimes so far this year. On the northeast side, zip code 78218 has recorded 770 violent crimes in 2009.
The AT&T Center sits in zip code 78219. There have been 267 violent crimes there so far in 2009.
Violent crime is sprouting up where you might least expect. For those that think the flourishing Stone Oak area is immune, experts say think again. Zip code 78258 had 161 violent crimes reported this year.
"You should never have that outlook that it can't happen to me," Benavides said.
Murder, assaults and shootings are not just someone else's problem anymore. Violent crime is everywhere.
"Every side of town has its peaks and valleys," Benavides said.
Violent crime in San Antonio in 2009 by zip code
KENS 5 obtained the records for violent crimes as reported by the San Antonio Police Department between January 1, 2009, and Oct. 5.
Counties outlined in dark shades of blue saw less than 65 violent crimes during the time period.
-Light blue: Between 66 and 232 violent crimes
-Green or yellow: Between 233 and 473 violent crimes
-Orange: 474 and 864 violent crimes
-Red: More than 865 violent crimes
