Villa burglaries do, unfortunately, happen from time to time but still very rarely. I don't see two incidents as any indication of an upswing or cause for alarms going off - and please don't bring any firearms with you!

As a former and future STJ visitor, the thought of someone shoving a gun in your face in a villa that you have rented for an island trip to "paradise" is quite scary.

A US Federal officer shouldn't have a problem bringing a gun with him on his trip to the USVI. I do understand their concerns of wanting to protect themselves, especially when he's used to protecting himself and others.

He'd need to ask himself what he will do with the weapon when he is swimming, snorkeling, or drinking a cold adult beverage. It would turn his vacation into work. How could he relax or drink any alcohol on vacation when toting a weapon? He probably should leave the gun at home and enjoy the vacation.

Liz

You are certainly better off with a Federal Officer being armed than the local thugs. Hey, I have an idea, lets take the guns away from law abiding citizens so no one will get hurt. We all know that the outlaws will turn in their illegal firearms. I'm a retired Law Enforcement Official and would bring mine with me if it wasn't such a pain in the butt and I agree you need to think about what you are going to do with your weapon when you are otherwise occupied. It isn't that I'm fearful but it is just that I would feel like an idiot if I witnessed a crime and couldn't do anything about it but stand there like an idiot. Anyone ever hear of the town in Georgia that required every law abiding citizen to carry a gun for protection (in the 70's)? Crime went down so much that they closed the local PD and only had the county cover the town for accidents. I guess the look on the first armed robber that hit a store was worth a million $$$ when he came out and everyone in the parking lot had a gun pointed at him (even grandma). Sorry, didn't mean to step up onto my soap box! It is really sad that crime is on the increase but in all the years we have been going we have never had a problem but then again we use common sense and don't put ourselves in dangerous situations. I still feel that crime is higher in the majority of places stateside but most people use common sense back home and don't have their vacation brains turned on.

STT Resident's usual denial of any crime problem in the USVI was almost instantaneous (7 minutes) this time.

Anyone who considers 2 robbery/burglaries in three days, or actually three in 5 days in tourist areas on one side of one island as not "any indication of an upswing" has questionable credibility, questionable motives, or at least terrible math skills.

I'm not even considering canceling my already made reservations for next year, but the increase in villa crime, particularly robberies, especially given the local police record on solving them, is troubling.

Gee, a gun and crime post. It's been a while.

These villa break-ins seem to occur in very infrequent clusters. It appears that some bad guys touch down, stay briefly and commit some crimes, then leave. It seems episodic rather than a progressive trend. But great fear is usually generated when these spurts occur. It's certainly important to be aware when these incidents are going on.

The VIPD really make it extremely inconvenient for tourists to bring weapons regardless of what their job is back home.

Most visitors to STJ do not feel a need to be armed. I think that most tourists would feel that if they needed to be armed in order to feel safe, they would rather find another destination where a weapon would not seem necessary.

As a former and future STJ visitor, the thought of someone shoving a gun in your face in a villa that you have rented for an island trip to "paradise" is quite scary.

A US Federal officer shouldn't have a problem bringing a gun with him on his trip to the USVI. I do understand their concerns of wanting to protect themselves, especially when he's used to protecting himself and others.

He'd need to ask himself what he will do with the weapon when he is swimming, snorkeling, or drinking a cold adult beverage. It would turn his vacation into work. How could he relax or drink any alcohol on vacation when toting a weapon? He probably should leave the gun at home and enjoy the vacation.

Liz

If he carries a glock in his waistband no worries, there's a reason the S.E.A.L.'s use them. You can swim in the worst water imaginable and they keep on shooting. I'm not a salesman, just an owner, lol. On a side note though, after working for the Sheriffs Dept. and EMS for years, I've learned that NOT concealing your weapon will make you the first target of a criminal. An exposed gun does you no good when the guy behind you decides he's going to rob you. Don't go looking for trouble and you most likely won't find it.

What is really bothersome about this whole affair, is, there is no deterrent to villa crimes like this. They know that Uncle Phil, or Cousin Joe on the police force are not going to do anything, like arrest them. Then there is the small fact that, yes, we do lock our windows and doors, but then again, we rent villas that have A/C throughout the house. What about the villas that don't have A/C and depend on the "open" air for comfort.

Problem is, anyone with a computer and internet access can easily find out which villas are "open" air, and which ones have A/C in the entire house. Even the bad guys. Almost all of them are listed.

None of this will deter us from going to the Islands, we still love them and would rather be there than anywhere else. I just wish the law enforcement was a liitle more on the "enforcement" side.

I'll be there in July....and LOVIN it!!8-)(tu)8-)

-Bert

i'm sure resentment and envy play a big part. they see these villas full of nice things and they and their families can barely pay their property taxes or buy land,just a thought

We are planning on a June trip to St John. Never been to VI. All of this crime talk has gotten us concerned.
Is it safe to hike the N Park trails and use the beaches. Not looking for night life except to enjoy a good meal at dinner.
How safe is the place?
Thanks for your candor.

yes,you'll be safe

it seems like we get bored here and bring up the crime thing every other week or so, yes it's here as it is all over the place, use common sense,would you walk down a darkened street where you currently live? if not then why would you do it here?

Thanks West.
What about the National Park, we like to hike, are the trails safe, will there be others on the trails and beaches this time of year (June)?

it seems like we get bored here and bring up the crime thing every other week or so, yes it's here as it is all over the place, use common sense,would you walk down a darkened street where you currently live? if not then why would you do it here?

Because where I live you can expect the police to actually do something about the crime(s) that occur - versus a corrupt police force (and apparently the judicial system as represented by the [dis]Honorable Judge Kendall) that has gone unchecked for too long in the USVI. Not to mention the local business people (some represented here) - who apparently would rather stick their collective heads in the sand versus stand up as a group to do anything about it (like we do where I live when things get out of control...).

Go ahead and flame... but you know it is true... it is sad that this has been status quo for such a long time and grown to accept the problems, and sadder still that the good people of the USVI (both locals and transplants) have not stood up in unison to do something about the seemingly growing problem.

Will we still come every year - of course. Will we be cautious - of course. Will we expect any resolution if something unfortunate were to happen - of course not...

We witnessed an event this past March while at the Caribean Saloon. Safe place, great food but watch out for your cell phones or wallet's if you are going to put them on a bar ANYWHERE. Keep them in your pockets.

After working late we joined some friends for a latenight dinner and drinks. Their was a group of very drunk young ladies having a good time with some of the local boys. Some commotion erupted and before we knew it one of the young ladies had tripped and fallen on the floor. We all went to assist, and when we went back to our seats our friends wallet and cell phone were gone. Sadly we presumed it was one of the local boys. When our friend went back the next day to view the surviellence tapes she found out it was one of the traveling nurses that had stolen her property.

Word to the wise, keep your valuables in your possesion at all times, or safely locked up in your room. This was definately a setup and completely avoidable. I'll check in with her when I get back in 2 weeks and see if she ever got her belongings back.

Molly

Where's the Caribbean Saloon?

Enough already and, yes, somebody has got m'goat!

MLS, you are just so in touch with what goes on here where crime is concerned that you chose to fire off a response denigrating me in total ignorance and likewise you are just so in touch that you don't know where Caribbean Saloon is located (FYI, right at American Yacht Harbor.) Best you put that place on your list of "places not to go."

The crime threads are regurgitated every couple of months (thanks, Weary) and, as tiresome as it gets, we regulars respond. Lordy Lordy we kindly respond but of course we have nothing better to do because we live in Paradise...

Hello, all.
We just got back from STJ this past saturday, and we had the trip of a lifetime. Everything was wonderful, and noone in our party of four ever felt threatened, nor unsafe. We stayed in a private villa over Coral Bay, and it was very quiet. I tend to fall into a deep relaxation while on island, but never lose track of my personal effects-( wallet,cell phone, girlfriend-lol, etc...). There are plenty of places everywhere that criminals count on this, and that's when they find their victims. Just be aware of your surroundings, jlk, and you'll be fine, no doubt. Simply stay out of the way of trouble. It won't be hard, I assume, as like most people who visit STJ, you'll probably have early nights,(we were back in the villa by 10:00 at the latest) and awoke very early to get the most of our days there. I consider myself to be a young,fit 38 year old guy, but the sun,snorkling, hiking, and lots of food took it out of us . It didn't leave much energy to go out and howl all night at the local bars. I've read that there's where people find themselves at the wrong place/ wrong time. Much like plenty of bars where I'm from, time to time. Simply put, be aware of your surroundings, and if you feel threatened, leave the place you're at immediately, same as you would at home. I've been there every year since '01, and have never had even a glimpse of an issue. Do yourself a favor, and leave any paranoia at home! You'll be fine! The only thing you should worry about attacking you is mosquitos or sand fleas, so bring some bug spray. If you're still worried, pack pepper spray in a checked bag( I hear that works for the really big bugs!). I truly wouldn't worry though.
Don't forget your smile-
MJ

The subject and all the previous posts concerned STJ and I was unfamiliar with any Caribbean Saloon on STJ. It must be a heavy burden not only to be omniscient, but to be so omniscient.

Crime threads are not "regurgitated every couple of months." USVI4Life posted regarding a recent Tradewinds article.

What's with the "omniscient" hub-bub?
MJ