Hi there! Adding my 2 cents!

Some points to add: Always greet the locals with Good morning, Good afternoon or Goodnight. Acknowledge anyone you see with a nod or a wave!
Heads up! Always look up and ahead! This is common sense wherever you go!
As for Villas, most people don't even know that a villa is any other than a private home! I would guess the only people who know are those who are neighbors outside of those of us who are working in the field.
If you plan on doing any major partying, use a local taxi driver, we provide our guests with info for a taxi service who knows the villas well and their location. It is better to use the taxi service WE use as it doesn't let outsiders know of our villas.
I never tell my guests that they need lock themselves in tight at night! We have never had any problems, tho I cannot guarantee that it can't happen, it is VERY unlikely and most house robberies happen by day when people are out! I feel our guests should be able to enjoy the ocean breeze both by day or night and I've had many a guest that haven't even locked up by day when they are out! Granted we live close by and this helps with someone being around. I have to be honest tho and say the McLaughlin Anderson does recommed locking your doors by night as well. Areas listed to avoid by the villa agency are: Town, Havensight area, and Yaht Haven after business hours. I would add Savan area (West of town).
I myself, go thru bad area's and always befriend those that around that area, but I also live here and feel it is best for visitors to avoid those areas. I do not go downtown late at night, it is not the place to be. Tips for going to Restaurants have already been disclosed and I hear the Italian Restaurant on Back ST. will walk you to your car.
There are plenty of guests who delve into the "weed" scene and getting the stuff is easy, but remember YOU are putting yourself into a situation with which you are not familiar, this is dangerous to you. Live without it for a while!
I see no problems with going to the beach in the earrly evening, but I DO like the idea of going in a resort area. A few years ago, a few of us local girls spent the night in Magen's Bay on a boat, (had a ball by the way), and I slept up on the top under the stars. I was surprised to see how many cars came on to the beach all thru the night! Leave this event to the locals!
USE COMMON SENSE! As you would anywhere!
I've lived here 24 yrs and have never been robbed or accosted, but I am always alert and friendly and don't put myself where I don't belong! and yes, I go out to the restaurants in the evening and you should too!

So it sounds like we can sum this all up by saying "use common sense." I can understand that. It's just that some of these comments were making STT and STJ sound similar to Jamaica or even Rio.

For example:
"...lock all doors and windows at night. This will require AC in the bedrooms. Yes, I am saying to get AC in the bedrooms so you can lock up"

Is this true? We like to keep a window open to hear the surf and feel the Caribbean breeze at night. Should we really button things up this tightly?

Another example:
"Put your game face on and look like you mean business and know where you are going" and "Always look over your shoulder."

I'm naturally friendly and will have a smile on my face when I meet locals in a foreign location. I completely understand being careful and using common sense, but do I really need to be always on-guard?

Trade, you're correct, there are areas of Detroit that you should certainly avoid, as there are in any big city. That's where common sense comes in. I'm just trying to put this all in perspective.

-pk

Not to split hairs or stir the pot, but I do have to take a bit of issue with the common statement of "it's the same as any other city in the US." If it is true that you must avoid the beaches at night, be concerned that all of your belongings are going to be stolen while you snorkel, and to avoid a city entirely after dark unless you can park or be dropped off right in front of the building......then it is not like many of the cities and beaches that I've visited in the US. You all may be visiting south LA or Queens or something.
We've vacationed in Florida several times and have never worried about being out after dark, either on the beach or the downtown areas. Yes, one would not walk a dark alley late at night, or stumble around drunk and expect not to be an opportunity for someone. But with a clear head and some rational thinking you simply avoid hanging out with the drug dealers and thugs. I think the main concern from most of us, if I may speak for everyone, is that it seems from the chatter and press that you hang out with the bad element whether you choose to or not in the USVI and other Carribean destinations.
Again, I don't have a problem with staying away from the "bad side of town". We don't usually plan a vacation that includes sightseeing in the 'hood. But my fear is that from the sounds of things sometime, it seems that we are in the 'hood when we step foot off the plane.
I think that is our main fear. We understand to not make ourselves vulnerable.....we just want to be able to go out and have fun and not be worried about getting mugged, shot, assaulted, or otherwise harrassed.
As you had mentioned blu, our family's safety is the paramount concern.
We are just looking for the answers........a true representation of what we can expect.

Thanks Sherri. We were both writing our comments at the same time, and apparently on the same train of thought.

-pk

Let's see Stone Terrace outer perimeter of Cruz Bay to Gallows....what, maybe 100 yds. Bad comparison dude.

Give me a break.

cls8506,
I think everybody appreciates your concern. Don't know what anybody can say to completely put your mind at ease. I will say that the St. Thomas receives nearly 3 million tourist per year and 99.9% come into absolutely no contact with crime.
I would not live here nor would I allow my wife to travel around this island during the day or night if I thought for one second that we were putting ourselves in danger. Crime excluding drug related is generally a random act of violence that can strike at anytime and anywhere.
I can tell you also that you probably have a better shot of winning our local lottery while you are here then being a victim of crime. St. Thomas is like Mayberry compared to some places that I have visited around the world so I get a little bit of a chuckle when I read these crime threads but at the same time realize you are only doing your due diligence of planning your family vacation.
If you decide not to come that is okay, there are 3 million people per year that decide to take the risk and have wonderful vacations here. I say take a chance, come on down, you will not regret it.

I agree with Pirate...stop worrying and just have a great time.

I've been to STT and STJ and felt safe, didn't have any problems. Very much enjoyed the vacation (in fact, I think about it every day, wishing I could go back soon). But I'm curious about why it's not recommended you go into town at night..? I live in the Dallas area and grew up in Austin and went downtown at night with no problems. Of course certain areas were to be avoided due to drug activity and "ladies of the night," but other than that, it was fine (using common sense of course). What goes on in Charlotte Amalie at night that is to be avoided? 🙂 Is there some activity happening that you should stay away from, or are people told to avoid it just because you don't want to be a person walking around at night period?

ECPirate,
Thank-you! I am all over this island on a daily basis and if i didn't feel safe I wouldn't live here either. I simply use my common sense! So Yes, Common Sense is the word!
Town is shut down at night and there really isn't any reason to be there! By day, there are lots of people and police as well, by night it is quiet, and not hardly anyone around. It's kinda like going thru that dark alley. Simply no reason to be there.
You WILL enjoy yourself and all that you do. Come on down! I myself would be far more afraid of the big cities at night!

On any beach in the Caribbean or most everywhere you shouldn't leave your wallet/camera/valuables lying in the sand. That's just common sense. I wouldn't leave my purse in a grocery cart anywhere in the States either.

As has been pointed out, there's no reason to wander around in a deserted town late at night. I don't get what the insistence is on strolling around in front of a bunch of locked-up, closed stores & don't advise it. We have homeless, some druggies, etc. so that's where to avoid.

Crikey, I don't have air conditioning where I live and sleep with my sliding doors open (albeit on the 2nd level of my building which is built onto a hillside so it's actually the main level.) The need for a/c depends on where you're staying & how it's situated regarding breezes.

There is NO crime-free Caribbean island & anyone who tells you there is, is fibbing. There is nowhere on this earth that I've heard of that's crime-free. I hope you come & enjoy yourself but if you'll be terrified all the time, the islands may not be right for you but you will be missing out on some real beauty.

Ok, I guess everyone deals with things differently. The facts of crime that have occurred are just that, facts. How we react is probably all related to our own experiences and personalities. I am a single woman traveling with a young child. So, no taking chances with leaving sliders open, etc. No leaving my villa unlocked while I am out - and I thought most of them had contract language that called the rented into responsibility if anything happened and the villa hadn't been locked up tight while the renter was out. I'd be p.o'd if I owned a villa and anyone left it open while they went out. The renters on STJ came home to find "guests" in their villa (guests with guns) after they didn't lock up. That event made me sure to lock up tight.

Sherri, you know I certainly look to you for island advice and support - since you have lived there so long and are so active in tourism. Why do visitors have to use greetings and smiles as a deterrent to criminal attack against them? I mean, if I don't say good morning, am I more at risk for having crime perpetrated against me? This seems very bizarre to me. If I am the victim of a crime, may I assume that I just should have smiled more and said "good day"? I dare say that criminals will do what they do, regardless of how I interact with them.

I think STT and STJ are wonderful places to visit. Hey, I'm there in 3 days - I could have gone anywhere. I don't think anything will happen to me and I don't expect to have to go out of my way to keep safe. I'll do what I listed in my 10 steps. And, yes, I do have a game face because I am a woman and I don't want to make nicey-nicey with the guys I pass all the time. Maybe that rule doesn't apply to everyone (guys)...so skip that one.

Don't be afraid - but be aware and prepared. These are small islands with poverty and a long-standing problem with criminal justice. As others have said, other islands have it MUCH worse.

Blu, I appreciate your advise and your perspective. We'll keep our heads up and our toes in the sand. 🙂

I'm jealous. I wish we were there in three days. We have to wait until next Thursday. Have a great time!

-pk

HI Blu,
The greeting thing here is simply custom and an important one. I find that if I greet everyone, locals, tourists, whatever, than I get a more positive response. Locals like the greeting and do it to each other as well. It is a must and is listed in the Guest Guide for McLaughlin Anderson. No, it doesn't mean that if you don't greet that you will be attacked, it is simply appreciated. Yes, it does make for a better situation and I am a firm believer!
You are right that the guest is responsible for the villa being locked when they are out and also is printed in the guest guide. We aren't so bothered by our guests not locking, to us, we know that our guests feel safe and comfortable. We kinda feel that there really isn't that much that the robber can take (of the villa's), a couple of DVD players and some DVD's. The TV's are too large! The guests, at this point, have more to loose than we do. If someone went on the property to rob it, they are going to rob it whether locked or not. BUT yes, I tell the guests that they should lock the house when they are not here.
On the other hand, I do not want my guests to feel like they have to lock themselves in at night. To have that ocean breeze and to hear the ocean is not to be missed! Our screens all lock so you can lock those if it makes you feel more comfortable. I do believe that some of this probably pertains to the area also. If you are staying at resort, lower level, then you bess lock your doors, day and night.
Think of it this way, if you lived here, would you lock yourself in tight every night? I kinda doubt it. If I had to live this way, I would have to say that I would have to leave.
Blu, I hope I am not offending you! I am coming from the perspective of living here and knowing that yes, anything can happen! I DO think that your points are very valid and our guest guide reflects the same points you make!
I don't want to live my life in fear and I don't think our guests should feel that way either! Like I said earlier, both Jeff's and my schedules are very inconsistent, we are around a lot and this tends to make things safer around us and at the villa property. I feel this is also an asset for our guests. 🙂

No offense taken Sherri. I'm glad to read of your consistently positive experiences. It helps to offset some of what others have experienced in the negative end of the spectrum. If you've never been robbed in all of your years there, then you must be doing something right. I am aware of the customary greeting, but had never thought of it as a deterrent to crime. Regardless, being well-mannered is something that visitors and islanders, alike, should practice.

See you soon!!! (If you stop into Indigo before Saturday, please tell them to make sure my Black and Blue is on th MENU this time!!! They are my first stop!)

cls8506:

I guess crime is a concern for all of us. My feeling is that if you look for crime you'll find it. I take it that you did a search for crime in the USVI and up popped many stories and reports. You found it because you asked or it. There are many many more stories concerning the good and safe times that people had in the USVIs .

Simply put, the USVIs are safe. Practice as much common sense while visiting here as you do at home. In other words don't leave your brains at home. Don't try to buy drugs, don't get so drunk that you can't take care of yourself and don't wander down dark alleys in a strange city at 2 A.M. Get my point?

We bought a condo on St. Thomas 3 years ago and have had nothing but good experiences. It's a wonderful place to visit and live.

Have a great time!

F.I.

FI,
Actually just to clarify, I bought a travel book to find out exciting and cultural things to do while visiting the islands. It mentioned many times the importance of safety and the high level of crime in the islands, which was an eyeopener for me. I didn't go looking for the dramatic, it came to me.
That's what prompted me to ask about it via the forum. I didn't want to trust some book....wanted opinions from folks who were traveling/living there currently.
It's not changed our plans for the trip. Just made us a little nervous of what to expect. I will "watch my back" so to speak and do my best to avoid any questionable situations.
Thanks

Sorry if I sounded too abrasive.......you don't need to "watch your back" while visiting the USVIs. It really is a nice, safe place. Have a great time.

F.I.

I’m not sure why so many people get so defensive when it comes to crime in the USVI. The worst that could happen is that there would be a backlash from tourists that would force the USVI to clean up crime.

Is crime high there?
YES.

Will crime stop me from going there?
NO (at least not yet).

Defenders of the islands will often state that there is crime in the USVI just like there is every where else. But the crime rates are substantially higher in the USVI than they are in the vast majority of US cities and towns.

The crime rates in the USVI are astronomical compared to rates in similarly sized cities in the states. But what is even more shocking is the USVI crime rates compared to large US cities that are considered to be high crime. People will often state that crime in the USVI is similar to crime in large US cities, but that is not the case. I’m not trying to prevent people from vacationing in the USVI, but we should at least be honest when it comes to the numbers.

Take for example the large city that I live near, Chicago. There are approximately 26.6 times as many people living in the city of Chicago as there are in the USVI. So if Chicago had the same crime rate as the USVI, you could multiply the number of USVI crimes by 26.6.

Statistics below are from recent years.

MURDER

27 in the USVI; 450 in Chicago

If the crime rates were the same in the two places, there would be 718 murders in Chicago; that means the murder rate is 60% higher in the USVI than in Chicago.

RAPE

66 in the USVI; 1693 in Chicago

If the crime rates were the same in the two places, there would be 1756 rapes in Chicago; that means the rape rate is 4% higher in the USVI than in Chicago.

ARSON

55 in the USVI; 683 in Chicago

If the crime rates were the same in the two places, there would be 1463 arsons in Chicago; that means that the arson rate is 114% higher in the USVI than in Chicago

FELONY AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

577 in the USVI; 6719 in Chicago

If the crime rates were the same in the two places, there would be 15,348 assaults in Chicago; that means that the felony assault rate is 44% higher in the USVI than in Chicago.

I LOVE the USVI and vacation there every single year, but I’m even MORE careful there than I am in major US cities. I do "watch my back," and so far, so good, for me anyway. Most crime is against locals, not tourists, but you still need to be careful.

I, too, love STJ and my husband and I have been traveling there yearly for the past 12 years. Most of that time, we have stayed in a rental cottage in Coral Bay. It's quiet, isolated, beautiful view and we have never had any issues--except last year. On our first day there, we left to go to the beach. On our return, the cottage had been burglurized, and the safe that we had locked our passports, birth certificates, credit card, cash, cell phones, car keys, wallets, etc had been stolen, ripped right out of the floor where it had been secured. Needless to say, I was extremely upset! We had no cash, my husband's credit card was useless since we had to cancel it, I was scared that we had no way home--no passports, birth cert's. We reported it to the police. They arrived-eventually. Apparently, since no one had been hurt (thank God!) it was low priority. They filed a report, which, they said I could show the Airport, etc to get home. We had to second day air car keys down, which took 4 days. The cottage owner was kind enough to give us money to eat. We went to the police dept. the next day to pick up our police report. Got the run around-wasn't ready, come back tomorrow. Nobody seemed to care there. Everyone else was great though--the people at Connections in Coral Bay let us make long distance calls no charge, neighbors offered us money, the owner of a local dingy rental business offered us money. But sad to say the police didn't seem to care, which bothered us alot.
We managed to get home ok and decided to give the cottage another try this year. A few changes--they had installed surveillance cameras up the road to the cottage and apparently it records all license plate numbers going up and down. We saw the police a few times passing by the cottage, so I guess that they are in the area patrolling. But paradise seems to have lost a little of its shine in light of the happenings last year. Maybe it was just kids having fun breaking into the homes in the area. They never caught anyone. Who knows if they even tried. In hindsight, I am glad we were not hurt, and that things turned out ok for us and the other homes that were broken into the same day. I am sure that they were watching for us to leave so that they could break in. The cottage owner said that they have had no more incidences. But it's heartbreaking that it had to happen at all. They even stole our bottled water out of the fridge!! Maybe it was despartion that made them do it, or kids having fun. I don't know. It's sad that people cannot let others alone. We have never hurt anyone, we are kind people. We love animals. Why were we targeted? Was it just random? We will never know. But we may not be back to STJ. We are still thinking it over.

TRLK:

Ahhh........Statistics

Of course the value of the statistics depends on every type of crime being accurately reported.

What number of rapes and assaults in Chicago are not reported? Are the true numbers higher?

On a small island everything gets reported in the daily newspaper. If someone gets punched in the nose at a bar in St. Thomas it makes the news as an assault......I doubt if it would make the newspaper in Chicago.

TRLK, I'm not trying to be defensive, only to put things into the proper perspective. A significant proportion of the crime takes place with the "locals". Tourists, although infrequently involved, are not normal targets.

Fern:

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience.......I hope next time is better.

F.I.