"Would you feel safe here at night?"

Senior residents share their view on the Island's "safe" reputation

A number of elderly people feel it's unsafe to walk the Island's streets at night.

For many years the Island's enjoyed a reputation of being one of the safest places to live in the British Isles.

But some residents told Manx Radio they still have reason to be wary:

Meanwhile, the Isle of Man Constabulary says: “In the recent Chief Constable's Annual Report 2024/2025 we advised that the Isle of Man is comparably one of the safest place in the British Isles. 

"Although the reporting of isolated incidents can sometimes make people feel less safe, and we fully understand this, there are currently no indications that the overall safety of our community has fundamentally changed.  Going for a stroll on the promenade, even late into the evening, is an activity undertaken by many members of public, and is a perk of Manx living. 

"The information in this news report was obtained from a small demographic and is difficult to analyse on its own.  We are aware that following recent surveys, another around this subject is planned by DHA, which will provide updated insight into feelings of safety across a range of areas and age groups.  The last survey of this nature was carried out in April – May 2024 and reflected that the vast majority felt safe or very safe generally. 

"Whilst there are no apparent crime trends around the Douglas promenade areas that have been identified, as always, we would encourage anybody with information to contact the police on 631212 or 999 in an emergency.”