Crime in the Virgin Islands statistically speaking is fairly high, particularly on St. Croix and St. Thomas. (Statistically meaning the number of crimes in comparison to the population and area size.) St. John is quiet with the exception of a few thefts of items left unattended in parked open cars or on the beach. Water Island is also quiet. Crimes on St. Thomas and St. Croix fall into similar categories for the most part; domestic abuse and domestic violence including child molestation. These incidences often happen where victim and perpetrator know each other. Murder is also high; again this crime is often among persons who have knowledge of each other, often within the illegal drug business and taking place in known areas with drug problems.
Your best protection for the first couple of weeks as a new resident is to function as you would back home in an unfamiliar area, with care and caution and with your eyes open. If things do not seem quite right then leave. Once you have resided on the island for a couple weeks you will get to know what areas are problem areas. Active Police Departments are available throughout the U.S.V.I.
Drug related crimes have not spilled into the general residential communities on any of the islands. Crimes against visitors and tourist are very low, with an infrequent occurrence of bags being stolen. Car-theft occurs periodically and often in poorly lit areas.
