crime on St. Croix

That's just silly!! We (middle-aged couple, white) live in the country west of Christainsted, go out to eat all the time IN THE DARK (sunset right now is about 5:45) and even venture into Christiansted AFTER DARK. Use common sense precautions and you'll be fine, Most crime here is not visited upon continentials who are not involved in drugs.

Katie, as I said to you two days ago: Ditto to everything that Linda J. says. I just got back from a week in STX and, while it is much quieter and we were careful (as always), we too never felt unsafe. As far as the restaurants go, we found most to be open, although many are having a hard go of it in the current economy. Those that were closed were either down for low season and re-opening soon, or closed for financial reasons. Tutto Bene is moving, but that is NOT because of crime (as some thought in town). Landlord problems have forced that excellent restaurant to relocate, unfortunately it will now be slightly out of town and no longer accessible on foot for those of us who stay in downtown Christiansted.

Relax - it will be great!

Just because something didnt happen doesn't mean that it is safe.
I am being devils advocate here so bear with me.
I see STT and STX as very similar with respect to crime.
The more you know, sometimes, the less you feel safe.
Is that knowledge important? Yes.
Its like when I was younger, parents let their kids go in the toy section and dream while the other parents shopped at other things. Was I safe? Maybe. Maybe not.
When the Adam Walsh story came out, my mother didnt let me go without her anymore.
Was I in more danger? No but my mother had knowledge an she felt i was less safe than I had been. I bet the guy who witnessed the stabbing at Redhook thought he was ssafe or the girl he spoke up for or the Irishman who got mulitple stabs...i bet they all felt safe or they wouldnt have been out. A safe feeling isnt always a true indication of how safe you are. See my logic? Be cautious and be careful. Just because it is the caribbean doesnt mean there arent scumbags and druggies among us. And this BS about it only affected people on the drug scene is a bunch of donkey poop. Innocent people are effected each day by such things. Ever hear of wrong place and wrong time? Well, its been happening here to a few people. Drugs do effect people who arent involved. Have a good time but dont think you are any safer than any US cities(maybe STJ but even there, be smart).

Now I just have to see for myself I guess. It seems there are a lot of opinions, and mine will ultimately be the deciding choice. I want to live and retire in St. croix. I guess I have to see . Thanks to all who wrote messages. K

I was just reading the messages about crime on St Croix. I'm going to be doing a placement at JFL Hospital in Dec and Jan and am hoping that I'll have an awesome time without too much worry about my personal safety. Mind you I've lived in the East End of London (think the Kray twins & gangland shootings) for the past 5 years and I'll probably feel safe in comparison!

I am so happy to hear such good things about the Islands. I think the people who were trying to scare me away from moving there were just that, trying to scare me. I have always gotten along with locals no matter where I live and I hope to become a local soon as well. Thanks for all your responses. Katie

Hello K,

The bar and restaurant scene in Christiansted and on St. Croix in general closes pretty early... in comparison to what I am used to on St. Thomas. But then again the nightlife scene is busier and more active on St. Thomas. I was over on St. Croix a few months ago and it seemed to me that dinner was a bit earlier and after dinner it was quiet... I would say be cautious - a bit more cautious then you are at home because this is a new place and environment... stick to well lit areas of Christiansted... don't go on joy strolls or walks at night - do that during the day - advice I would think people adhere to in general for unfamiliar places... There are a few places outside of Christiansted that are worth going to also that stay open a bit later, like Cheeseburgers... and for live music - often a local band try the casino or ask around, look in the newspaper and see if there are any other live music performances... there are also a few restaurants that have live jazz - those are fun and entertaining. Off the Wall and the Domino Club are pretty interesting also - very different from each other but I mentioned them together because they are both on the west/north area of the island. (I think its called Off the Wall... the Domino Club was almost empty when I went so see if there is anything happening or just go to see the pigs) Also had great dinner at Rumrunners and the owner and staff were great, very strong drinks - LOL. One thing I would add, that I have seen single ladies get in trouble before on St. Thomas is gong out and boozing it up to the point of being incoherent - bad idea if you aren't with a group to watch out for you and take care of you; again good advice anywhere.

Have a great time.

--Islander

Very kind of you to respond to my question. And I am not the boozing it up kind of lady well not anymore. Ah Youth! I am a woman in my 40's just wanting a place to zen out after a hard work year. Thanks so much. It's probably no worse than it was when I lived there before Hugo. I lived on top of Princess Hill by Doctor Galiber. I miss it so much. Thank you all for your responses. Can't wait to get there now. Katie