Is Five Points Still Dangerous?
Five Points has long been known as one of Columbia’s busiest entertainment districts. With dozens of restaurants, bars, live music venues, and its close proximity to the University of South Carolina, thousands of residents and visitors spend time there every week.
Because it attracts large crowds—especially during weekends and football season—it also receives more police attention than many other areas of Columbia.
While isolated violent incidents still occur, recent statewide and Richland County crime data suggests South Carolina has experienced several consecutive years of declining violent crime rather than increasing violence.
The question today isn’t whether crime exists—it does in every entertainment district—but whether Five Points is safer than it was several years ago.
The evidence suggests it is improving.
What Does Current Crime Data Show?
According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED):
- Violent crime declined 8.4% statewide from 2023 to 2024.
- Murders fell 15.8% statewide.
- Robberies reached approximately a 30-year low.
- Burglaries and property crimes also continued to decline.
Richland County has experienced similar trends.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department reported:
- Murders decreased again in 2025.
- Every homicide has been solved for three consecutive years.
- Law enforcement continues emphasizing proactive policing, community partnerships, and rapid investigations.
These statistics do not mean violent crime has disappeared, but they do indicate that the overall trend is moving in the right direction.
Why Does Five Points Experience Crime?
Entertainment districts naturally experience higher levels of police calls because they bring together large numbers of people.
Factors include:
- Alcohol consumption
- Large late-night crowds
- Sporting events
- Bars and nightclubs
- Theft of unattended property
- Vehicle break-ins
- Assaults following disputes
Most incidents occur during late evening and overnight hours on weekends rather than during daytime business hours.
Safety Improvements in Five Points
City officials and law enforcement have implemented numerous strategies aimed at improving public safety, including:
- Increased police presence
- Coordinated patrols during peak nightlife hours
- Security partnerships with local businesses
- Expanded surveillance cameras
- Community safety initiatives
- Improved emergency response coordination
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce violent crime throughout Columbia and Richland County.
Can Businesses Be Responsible for Violent Crime?
Sometimes.
South Carolina property owners have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to protect lawful visitors from foreseeable criminal acts.
Depending on the circumstances, negligent security claims may arise when businesses fail to provide adequate protection.
Examples include:
- Broken or inadequate lighting
- Lack of security personnel
- Broken locks or gates
- Non-functioning surveillance cameras
- Failure to respond to known criminal activity
- Failure to warn customers about known dangers
Not every crime creates liability.
However, if a business ignored known security risks that contributed to an injury, the property owner may be legally responsible.
Common Injuries in Five Points
Our attorneys have seen injuries resulting from:
- Assaults
- Shootings
- Stabbings
- Bar fights
- Parking lot attacks
- Robberies
- Slip and fall accidents
- Drunk driving crashes
Victims often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Facial injuries
- Psychological trauma
- Permanent disability
What Should You Do After Being Injured?
If you’re injured because of violence or inadequate security:
- Call 911.
- Obtain medical treatment immediately.
- Report the incident to police.
- Photograph the scene if possible.
- Preserve clothing and evidence.
- Obtain witness information.
- Speak with an attorney before discussing the incident with insurance companies.
How a Premises Liability Attorney Can Help
A negligent security investigation often involves reviewing:
- Prior crime history
- Police reports
- Surveillance footage
- Security policies
- Employee training
- Lighting conditions
- Maintenance records
- Incident reports
An attorney can determine whether a property owner failed to provide reasonable security under South Carolina law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Five Points safe during the day?
Generally, yes. Most businesses operate normally during daytime hours, and the majority of violent incidents occur late at night.
Is Five Points safer now than it was several years ago?
Statewide and Richland County crime statistics indicate violent crime has generally declined over the past several years, although isolated incidents still occur.
Can I sue if I was attacked at a bar or apartment complex?
Possibly. If negligent security contributed to the incident, you may have a premises liability claim under South Carolina law.
Talk to a Columbia Negligent Security Lawyer
If you or a loved one were injured because of inadequate security at a restaurant, apartment complex, shopping center, hotel, parking garage, or entertainment venue in Columbia, the attorneys at Strom Law Firm can evaluate your legal options.
Our team has decades of experience representing injury victims throughout South Carolina.
Contact Strom Law Firm today for a free consultation.
External Resources
- South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Crime Data for statewide crime statistics. SLED Crime Data
- Richland County Sheriff’s Department for county crime reports and public safety updates. Richland County Sheriff’s Department News