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I've been reading this board for about 2 months and have seen several remarks about crime and safety on St. Thomas. As my name infers I hope to become a "part time" resident on STT, soon. I am looking to buy property on the east end of STT, near Red Hook. One lingering concern that I have is just how safe is STT? I come from New Jersey (about 90 minutes from NYC). Living in NJ all of my life, I know what it means to be close to areas that have high crime rates, but I currently live in a town that is safe and (almost) free of major crime.
My question for you long time STT residents....just how safe is the East End area? I read about Linquist Beach as being very unsafe both on this message board and in a "Virgin Islands" book by "Loney Planet". Is the surrounding area as "unsafe"? I don't want to buy only to find myself "trapped" in a residence that is surrounded by crime. Will my family and I always need to be "on guard"? Am I in for an "unwelcome" surprise?
Future Islander
As far as I'm concerned (a ten year east end residence) it's all a bunch of hooey. That being said, use some common sense.
The violence at Lindquist beach - a young woman alone sun bathing topless, another young woman alone on a deserted beach. No, I don't think they were asking for it but use some common sense.
Having too much to drink at Duffy's and staggering down an unlit side street trying to get back to your hotel - again, not asking for it but silly. The people got mugged. Being so drunk that you can't tell if you are getting into a "real" taxi or someone who is going to drive you to a deserted area and assault you. Use some common sense.
Yes, we have crime here and it is sad but ... .there is crime everywhere in the world. Police blotter this weekend - St. Thomas 30 year old male resisting arrest in Pizza Hut parking lot, 34 year old woman broke the windows in a home. Charged with destruction of property. Assaults - 8 over the weekend all in"town" or housing projects. One buglary. I come from Jacksonville, Florida where it is not unheard of to have at least one murder per day.
In ten years I have not been assaulted, burgled or a victim of crime with the exception of some kids tried to steal my car one night from a marina. It was really quite funny as my dog scared the pants off of them and they took off running! Wish I'd had the camera.
Come down. This is paradise if you approach living here in a respectful manner then that is what you will get back in return.
