Here is an article about some of the crime in Philadelphia from 5 years ago and updated last year, it is and interesting study and article if you have been in those different areas and what is or isnt being done to help clean it up. Another is a book called: 3rd and Indiana by former Inquirer columnist steve lopez which is set in the badlands.

http://www.phawker.com/2011/08/23/special-report-the-top-10-drug-corners-2011/