A British expat living in Australia has ignited a fierce online debate after publicly listing the three locations where he felt most unsafe, branding a famous Outback town as the nation's most dangerous.
The Controversial Rankings from a British Blogger
The man, named Luke, who has spent several years in Australia, took to TikTok to share his unsettling experiences. He declared Alice Springs in the Northern Territory as the 'most dangerous town in Australia'. While he stated he had no major personal incidents there, he admitted to constantly feeling 'a bit on edge'.
His second choice was another Northern Territory locale, Tennant Creek, recalling a tense overnight bus stop where he alleged a group of Indigenous people smacked the windows and shouted. Rounding out his top three were the northern suburbs of Adelaide, which he described as 'not amazing' and 'not the nicest place ever' based on his time living in the city.
A Divided Reaction and a Glimpse of the Data
The video sharply divided Australian viewers. Some commenters agreed with his assessment, with one alleging issues with theft while camping in Alice Springs and another broadly claiming, 'everywhere in Australia, I don't feel safe'. However, many others hit back, suggesting the UK posed greater dangers. 'Australia is very safe compared to the UK,' argued one, while another quipped: 'Been to London mate? Talk about unsafe.'
The controversy comes amid tangible concerns about crime in Alice Springs. The town is ranked as the 38th most dangerous city in the world on the twice-yearly Crime Index by Numbeo, which compiles data from user surveys. A shocking incident in November underscored these issues, when an elderly man was attacked with a machete by a man wearing an ankle monitor inside a shopping centre on Hartley Street. The attack, filmed by a horrified onlooker, lasted about a minute before an off-duty police officer intervened.
Real-World Repercussions and Lasting Impressions
The man who filmed that violent assault, a FIFO worker from Victoria, told media he was now considering closing his business in the area, highlighting the tangible economic and social impact of such events. For Luke, the British blogger, his impressions were formed by personal encounters, like the intimidating bus stop in Tennant Creek. His candid rankings, however subjective, have tapped into a broader conversation about safety, perception, and the experiences of newcomers versus locals, leaving many to question whether such labels are fair or helpful.
