11 investigates crime rates in western Pennsylvania communities

MARS BOROUGH, Pa. — Butler County's Mars Borough celebrates its otherworldly name with an iconic spaceship, a celebration of the "Martian New Year," and residents there even call themselves "Martians," but what might make the community even more special are its low crime numbers.

Data from the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reports show that in 2016, there were no violent crimes in the community and only six property crimes. People feel so safe in the community that some even leave their cars running unattended.

In 2016, there were a number of other communities that reported no violent crime in Butler County: Harrisville, Callery, Prospect, Saxonburg and Portersville.

In Washington County, West Brownsville, Beallsville and Jefferson Township all reported no violent crimes.

In Beaver County, Marion Township and South Heights had no violent crimes reported.

In Fayette County, Luzurne Township and Fayette City had no violent crime.

In Westmoreland County, Seward, Saint Clair Township, West Leechburg, New Florence, Avonmore and Smithton had no reported violent crime.

Finally in Allegheny County, Lincoln Borough, Oakdale, Fawn, Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights and Kilbuck Township all had zero violent crime reported.

Oakdale bills itself as "America's Hometown" and also had zero property, drug, or alcohol crimes.

Among larger cities that recorded at least one violent crime in 2016, Ohio Township was one of the safest. Police there have a big job, policing not only Ohio Township, but Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights, Emsworth, Kilbuck, Sewickley Hills, Neville Island and Aleppo Township as well.

Ohio Township's police chief credited the lack of rental properties and the "bedroom-type" community as the reason for the low crime.

The City of Pittsburgh, with 305,000 people, recorded higher crime rates in 2016 than other surrounding smaller towns. But within the city were neighborhoods with very low crime rates, including Stanton Heights.

"I've been delivering here for 20 years. The people are great and it is very safe," said Al Poluha, a postal carrier.

Cox Media Group