Even with the latest stuff St.Thomas is SAFER then Americas safest city statistically.

Random events and no reason to cause alarm.

As ALWAYS when ever you go ANYWHERE be aware of your what is around you but I would not let this worry anybody.

I think it is accurate to say that crime in the islands is no worse than a similar sized mainland city.
However when there is a "minor crime wave" (like we have seen recently) we must blame the USVI police for not aggresively arresting their cousins.

The police "know" who is responsible, but are not free to get them off the streets. I am for better enforcement by the police on all of the islands. No more police corruption...

By the way tourists...you are still really safe here.

Island lover
I agree w/ your statement. The police took 45 min to get there after the robbery was reported. Also the robbery took place 1/2 hr before the security officer came on. This happened twice at the same resort. This wasn't your ritzy resort either. This was a timeshare resort. No one was dressed glizzy, but the "cousins" knew where to hit.
Also to clarify, the other resorts that were hit were timeshare resorts. I think if your staying at a gated resort, like the Marriot Frenchmen Reef, or the Wyndam, or the Ritz-Carlton & stay on the resort, you will be safe.
Actually, we didn't stay with our friends at this timeshare resort, we were at a local hotel ( loved it). And we did feel safe. But, we were with another couple and we stayed together. So be aware of your surroundings & don't carry all your money &/or passports with you at all times.

Island Girl,

My husband and I own a timeshare on the East end of St. Thomas. We have visited the island each of the past 7 yrs. and, have always felt safe there. The island is no different than the main land in respect to safety. You must always be aware of your surroundings no matter where you stay-local hotel or timeshare. You make it sound like a timeshare is a step above the projects. We take offence to that. As a matter of fact, the Ritz also has timeshares available. So much for your remarks in regards to making it sound like you're alot safer if you stay somewhere other than a timeshare. Crime, unfortunately, is everywhere, regardless of where you stay or what island you're on or, what country you are in. Also, most timeshare resorts do have security on property. During evening hours, gates are in place. Another fact, you are on an island. There are very few places that are "glizzy". You are more apt to stand out as vacationers if you are dressed that fancy. As a matter of fact, we have had an easier time walking right in at Frenchman's Reef (which has also had some things posted about developing time-shares there) than we had at some of the timeshares.

To anyone else visiting the island;

The same thing applies on the island as it does at home...you would not carry all your money on your person at all times. You are aware of your surroundings. You would not just open the door to just anyone. Yes, I read that the robber identified himself as security but, ask why security is at your door. You can always call the front desk to check with them regarding if it is actually security &/or keep the chain in place when you open the door. Also, most room doors have peep holes. Again, use the same precautions you would at home then, RELAX!! ENJOY!! and, HAVE FUN!!!

In regards to car rental;

Driving on the island can be an experience. They do drive on the left which, coming from the states, takes getting used to doing. It is safe to take a taxi and, they are plentiful. If you are doing alot of running around the island, it can get costly. They charge for each person but, they can tell you how much it will cost to get from place to place. Taxi rates are set by the government. They do not have meters. Most are vans and, you may have others riding with you. If you have never been on St. Thomas, it is well worth taking the taxi-tour of the island, especially if you have a personable driver. The drivers really know their island history and, will show you areas you may not otherwise be aware exist.

In regards to "safe areas";

Havensight primarily caters to the cruise ships since most dock there. There are alot of people around during daytime hours. We've gone to a restuarant there for breakfast and, there were alot of police eating their meal there too. Charlotte Amalie is relatively safe during daytime hours. This area also caters mostly to the cruise ships since it is just down the road from Havensight.
Both of these areas basically close up during the evening once the ships sail. There are projects between Havensight and Charlotte Amalie. We have not heard of anyone having problems walking from their ship into C.A., past the projects, during the daytime. If driving, be aware, there are some "seedy" areas just above C.A.

i had to bump this up

my family was just robbed at gunpoint at secret harbour 8pm
in front of the building by the rooms......will write more later the police are here.

it happened just after the manager's cocktail party...
before 8pm
the one guy was not in the parking lot he was on the beach on a hammock just waiting for someone walking back to their rooms
thank god he just took the valuables etc
they are not hurt physically ...

we heard pavilions got hit too

Holy SH--! At Secret Harbour???? Dam, is nowhere safe anymore? Ginger, i hope you and Steve and the rest of your group are O.K.! Last time we were there, there was a security guard walking the premises after dark, do they still have him there? Please keep us informed as to what happens with this incident!

I can just imagine how upset the entire resort would be! Much as I hate to admit it, I guess SH is going to have to start issuing arm bands, and have a security officer challenge anyone not wearing one while on the property!

That is only one idea, I hope Ernest and the rest of the folks can come up with a solution to help this intolerable situation! We come there often, to relax and enjoy ourselves, and it just really pisses me off to think that a few thugs can totally destroy this!

Is there any talk of the muggers identities being known?

-Bert

Hi Ginger,

I was sorry to hear about your experience and hope you and your family are doing okay.

We are going to St Thomas the first week of June and are a little nervous. Besides always being aware of your surroundings do you have any additional ideas/suggestions for what we all can do or not do to stay safe and avoid being a victim?

well, first of all thanks for your concern...
i have to say.....even if it is EARLY evening, do not walk away from crowded areas alone....if there is any way for a group to walk it is good...
also if your hotel does not have good security go complain to the desk
we all want lots of lights and a guard or two ARMED walking around
secret harbour MIGHT get a gate on the entrance driveway now....that is as far as i heard
and also DO NOT ANSWER your door for anyone unless you are absolutely sure who it is!

happy sunday everyone

Ginger: I am also sorry about your experience. Just to clarify for people, the upper section of Secret Harbour is gated and does have fairly extensive security precautions. I would like to add another bit of advice for people driving: always watch that someone isn't following you- good advice in the states as well.

So sorry to be hearing about this recent rash of muggings and shootings at the resorts. A close relative is an employee at Bolongo Bay - and it was mentioned that there was also a mugging/shooting of a young father with his family in the parking lot close to Mim's a few weeks ago. It sounds like this might be the same person or persons doing all of this? Has anyone been arrested yet for any of these crimes? It won't keep us away, but we all need to "watch our backs"!

It would be a shame if you would choose not to visit STT or STJ because of the things you are reading here. You simply have to be very careful and keep your eyes open - unfortunately, the entire world is currently in this mode. Both islands are too gorgeous NOT to visit. Also, don't rule out Secret Harbor. It is THE best resort on STT....just beautiful - and so friendly. It was a shock to us (as it was for everyone) that they got "hit".

P.S. Anyone know, actually, what the safest island in the Caribbean is - according to any Caribbean polls?

We just took our two small children to St. Thomas a few weeks ago. We felt very safe and very happy that we could visit the whole island and not be stuck on our resort as must be done on islands outside of the Virgin Islands. Why bother going all the way down to the carribean and not be able to experience the culture, local atmosphere, etc.? Things happen everywhere, and keep in mind, these kinds of things are BIGGER news stories when they happen seldomly... if it were a common thing, people would get desensitized, and you might not even hear about it. Just take the advice of many of the people posting on this site who have a lot of experience in the islands, or live there...

ok part three of the trip is done and part four of the crime coming up right here...might as well do it on the mugging thread!

...TUESDAY NIGHT the manager's cocktail party....lots of fun...
My husband even sang with the steel band with the manager Ernest Halliday.
We were all so happy sitting at the beach bar with MANY PEOPLE...THE HOTEL WAS FULL AND THE PARTY WAS FULL there was standing room only! the restaurant was full too! so we decided to skip dinner and go to the room to see if we could catch American Idol on tv.
My other cousins who were in building four walked to their room along the beach path it is not down on the beach it is just a foot or two ALONG the porches of the beachfront rooms.
We were so careful to always walk that way rather than in the deserted parking lot side.(we always keep the doors locked etc. and are aware of our surroundings even driving and don't carry expensive things)
As the other two walked to their room down the beach the other four of us turned and went towards building two. The others passed the front of building two and the last hammock there was occupied by a man ....thinking NOTHING OF IT since so many people were around at the time (just yards behind) they kept walking ....the guy then jumped up and came up to them with the gun (a big one) and made his demands....i will leave out these details since this forum is so public and those who know us on this board already know the full details.... but all was gone....
none of that mattered it was the horror of the gun in their faces that was important!
i won't say much more than that...

in a few minutes they ran back to us yelling(we were not in our rooms yet that is how fast it was we were just yards behind along with many other people...honestly if you were sitting at the beach bar at a table you could have seen the whole thing!
our friends sue and jim were already in their room and as she put it they could have stepped out on the terrace and seen the whole thing...

I ran to the bar to get help and had an interesting altercation at the bar(not important) but will leave that out too...some of you know what i am talking about...
i just ran to the front office and my husband and cousins were all there coming in from the other direction...
the STAFF WAS FANTASTIC...ERNEST WAS INCREDIBLE we really bonded to say the least and he bent over backward to help us until the wee hours of the morning....

the police took about a half hour to arrive maybe more....several came and stayed for many hours it was good...

thanks everyone who was there ....we really all felt like family that day and the next....and the staff the next day tooo did everything to make the rest of our stay comfortable....
needless to say the next couple of days we were in a fog...you just don't get over it right away....

it goes without saying that this was truly unavoidable....it was early and it was a safe spot...and people were around ...it could have been anyone...it could have been in town or going to the market at night or anywhere...you just never know

just be careful...check the security at your hotel and stick together....and don't be afraid of st thomas it is still heaven....
almost all the time

the articles from the virgin islands daily news are here coming up

Sapphire House guest latest victim in string of St. Thomas resort robberies
By AYESHA MORRIS
Thursday, May 5th 2005

http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=5002119
click here for article

Robbery of guests reported at third resort in three days
By MEGAN POINSKI
Thursday, April 28th 2005

click here for article
http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=4813586

Hotel robbery suspect arrested, advised of rights
By AYESHA MORRIS
Thursday, May 5th 2005

regarding pavillions and pools

http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=5002116

11 St. Thomas bars, restaurants hit by armed robbers in last year
By MEGAN POINSKI
Monday, May 9th 2005

that is the headline from that link.....
http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=5097105

Take a look at this artical on the Onepaper web site...maybe a suspect? Let's all hope, and put an end to all of this once and for all.

www.onepaper.com/stthomasvi/?v=d&i=&s=News:Local&p=1105684204

The USVI is a US territory. The US mainland needs to send undercover (armed) agents, acting as tourists, to the island. Not for a brief time, but until they can wrangle up a good number of these guys. If these criminals don't know who they're robbing, they might be deterred. Also, there needs to be more control over the process...arrrest, conviction, sentencing.

Sorry for any islanders offended by my idea. But, you know how things work there.

I'm sure it would be easy to find agents willing to spend a few weeks on the island....and they could all rotate so that they aren't marked.

And I would LOVE to watch one of these stings in action...and see the looks on these guys' faces. I can hear the theme song from "Cops" playing......"bad bay, bad boy....whatcha gonna do...whatcha gonna done when THEY COME FOR YOU!"

I would like to know if this is a ~new~ thing for St. Thomas....these recent hold-ups? I'm sure there has always been crime there...but are the attacts on tourists not very common?

Like I said before...it WILL NOT stop us from coming!
It just would be nice to hear of how they are stopping it.

It is a recent thing as far as these tourist muggings go. We have had random ones before, but this seems to be the same guy. The police are really working with hoteliers to try and stop it from happening again, as well as their investigations. They posted a picture of a suspect, looking for help. They have had two meetings with us at the hotel association to try and help and show what needs to be done for it to be safer on your properties.

Bluwater, that would be a great idea. In fact, the Assitant Commisioner of Police who is spearheading this effort, is on loan from the FBI, so, who knows what will happen. We wouldn't mind some undercover activity for a few other areas too!
Ronnie

Ginger,

I am replying to your last message, as it was your original message of 5-01 that elicited the subsequent discussion on this message board regarding the issue of safety on St. Thomas and the VI's.

First, I want to say how pleased I am that you and other members of your party were not harmed beyond the emotional trauma of the experience.

Next, I have to express my concern over your advice, " just be careful...check the security at your hotel and stick together....and don't be afraid of st thomas it is still heaven.... almost all the time."

I am the man who was shot by the gunman who robbed him and his family at Bolongo Bay Resort. We were walking back from the beach at about 9:30 PM, and were crossing the parking lot behind the, condo/villa we were renting. We were generally exhitibing the casual attire and unobtrusive behavior that several writers have naively suggested will afford protection from harm.

As we neared the door to our Villa, a masked assailant ran up to us from behind, grabbed my wife's purse, then pointed a gun at me and demanded my wallet. My wife and two teenage daughters retreated some distance away while I stayed and faced the gunman. I had produced my wallet and was holding it at arms length toward him when he shot me in the upper abdomen with a .38 caliber handgun. I dropped my wallet, which he picked up before running a couple a few yards and jumping into a wating light colored subcompact car driven by an accomplice. The car raced away from the scene. I was able to retreat behind a car next to me, where I lifted my shirt and examined the entry wound - I was unable detect any exit wound.

Fortunately, other guests, alerted by the sound of the retort of the gun, called 911. My wife was subjected to the horror of seeing me shot. Fortunately, my daughters were spared seeing me shot. However, they knew what had happened, and they ran back with my wife to check on my condition. Fortunatley, I was able to put on my game face and reassure them that I was fine. However, I was overcome by shock within minutes and had to lie down.

The good news is that an ambulance arrived within 20 minutes, and the EMT crew did a great job of assessing my injuries, restoring my blood pressure from 50/30, and taking me quickly to Schneider Hospital, where I continued to receive excellent emergency care. I am grateful to the ER staff and to surgeon Bonaface Abba, who performed four hours of surgery that saved my life, removing a couple of feet of small intestine that had been rendered unusable by the events. I received excellent nursing care in ICU for four days and on a Med/Surg floor for another three days before being discharged. Three days later I was able to travel home to the U.S., where my physical recovery has been good. I am still dealing with the emotional trauma sustained by my wife and children. But we are a close family, and we consider ourselves lucky that we did not experience a worse outcome.

Since this incident, I have been following the reports in various VI press and online sources regarding the frequency and nature of assault on citizens of and visitors to St. Thomas. My own experience aside, it appears that the general population, and certainly the resorts, have been plagued by a rash of robberies and violence. My assailant has not been apprehended, and there have been assaults prior to and subsequent to mine that bear chilling similarity to my own, suggesting that the same individuals may be perpetrating these senselessly violent assaults.

Moreover, the nature of these assaults has been such that a heightened degree of caution and vigilance on the part of tourists and other potential victims will provide little protection - although they may provide an illusory subjective feeling of security. These thngs are not happning to only careless person in poorly secured locations. They are happening with no warning to people who are already taking reasonable precauions, in locations where people have a resonable expectation of security sufficient to avert such harm.

To the the writers on this message board who have declared that they will not allow the portential dangers to deny them the pleasures of the "paradise" they have grown to love to and that they will be extra careful, I offer the following heartfelt advice. Please be realistic in your appraisals of the risks and your ability to protect youtself from unforseen dangers. Guarde against the human tendeny to delude yourself that only careless people are harmed and that simple awareness and vigilance will render you and your family immune from harm.

St. Thomas will not be safe until law enforcement and the resorts join forces in an agressive cmapaign to improve security and take dangerous and cold-blooded perpetrators off of the streets.

God bless you. Please make it easier for Him to look after to until the situation is safer!

d dave.....i am thanking God you are able to write this post and that you are doing better.
when did this happen? i didn't read this one in my research...

i know only too well that horrible feeling (as my parents faced crime like this in the states years ago)
reading your post i re lived it with you and pray with thanks that you have recovered....what a horrible thing for your family to go through...i know from our event that in our case we are still reeling from it..i can just only imagine how you all feel...

i agree with everything you have said about protection/risks/the perpetrators being the same people etc..

THIS IS THE PART I ESPECIALLY AM CONCERNED WITH AND AGREE

"Moreover, the nature of these assaults has been such that a heightened degree of caution and vigilance on the part of tourists and other potential victims will provide little protection - although they may provide an illusory subjective feeling of security. These thngs are not happning to only careless person in poorly secured locations. They are happening with no warning to people who are already taking reasonable precauions, in locations where people have a resonable expectation of security sufficient to avert such harm. "

YOU ARE SO RIGHT...we are all careful....and are in places that we normally would assume to be safe(730pm on a reasonably crowded hotel beach for example)

as you might have guessed i left out a lot of the details of what happened as i just didn't want to have it public but tried to do it in a manner that would make people careful..
i pay attention to other reports from different places other than the usvi...and it is scary to see the past year in st thomas continuing with such crime..
am i crazy or is this way beyond the norm....

did you read the article with the list of other crimes...
click here:
http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=5097105

we know two other people besides you who have been victims ..one is a friend of a friend and one is a dear friend who was a waiter held up at betty's bar last sept ...he was from noche restaurant and was traumatized..

i have chosen to try and keep the posts factual but did not want to scare people away...
it is so hard to balance wanting to tell people and yet not wanting to panic people
well your post brought me back down to earth..but i am still torn..

however maybe if we all write to the assistant polic commissioner(i am sure you dealt with him as we did)
as the commissioner is at that conference on crime in st croix...
click here for that article
http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=5248451
we have to get his email i will find it
so if we write the police/the tourism commissioner/the newspaper reporters etc...that is something at least..including the hotels

a dear friend from this board who lives in st thomas said he is even feeling a little worried when approached by someone now...this is so sad..
i just don't have the answer...i just think we all have to write to the authorities and hope that they listen...
WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO....

god bless and keep us posted on your progress

here is another about one on the 12th at the holiday inn
http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=5195544