"There are the mountains, the mines... though the most bandit-filled area by far of Kirkwall's surroundings is along the Wounded Coast. Any stories you've heard about that area are undoubtedly true." Being a coastal area, it's just a natural place for all kinds of shady activity to happen, from all kinds of criminal sorts coming and going.

"If you keep your wits about you, though, you have no more to fear than you do while traveling through Ferelden. Just proceed with caution." Bandits are just part of life on the road, after all.