Late Night Muggings at Gov't Lot in C'Sted

Pity the poor fool that would have to stay up to collect $$, sitting duck for the next thug waiting to milk his new cash cow. In theory though, it would be awesome to have paid parking after 7pm. They would have to make the cash very secure against opportunists.

There is a simple "solution" to the parking problem on most nights. It used to be that the taxi parking on King street didn't extend all the way to the corner of Queen cross street after 7pm. About 3 years ago this changed, the signs that had said "Taxi parking xam-7pm" were replaced with "Taxi Parking Only" signs for the whole length of the block whereas in the past only a small subsection were "Taxi Parking Only" at all times. This entire strip of what would be relatively safe parking right on the main drag in Christiansted goes unoccupied with the exception of those brave enough to face the risk of a ticket (or towing but unlikely). Many risk it but many also get tickets. This is absurd, no taxi's ever populate those spots after 7pm. On some nights this strip alone wouldn't be enough but on many it would be.

Sean

Wise words. Couldn't agree more.

Here another, even bigger example: the gravel parking lot right behind the Hotel Caravelle. You know: the one that buts right up to the ocean at Angry Nates. For years and years, people parked in that lot, especially after dark. It was a great, safe spot -- I parked there all the time. Then, the lot owner put his foot down and disallowed any non-paying patrons parking there after dark.

Now, I realize that it is private property and the owner has the right to do whatever he wishes, but it would be nice if he'd allow parking after dark. Once the sun sets, that lot sits mostly empty and wasted. Which, is a shame, because people are being victimized, and allowing them to park there would definitely help the situation.

Feel Lucky was never any safer then govt lot, plenty of muggings there as well. It's gotten better with that one restaurant that closed down on strand, can't remember the name. But it is still a shortcut if your on that side of the boardwalk to get to strand or king st so pedistrians still walk through it alone. Just ask around at Angry Nates or any of the local bars restaurants, muggings still happen in that parking lot as well. Most muggings don't end violently except for the fact that a gun or knife is in your face. To report a mugging in downtown you have to go to the police station and hope you won't have to wait hours and be treated like a nuisance. So in many cases they don't get reported.

I've even know restaurant workers that have been robbed in the AM. Downtown is just not safe. I'm there working most of the week and I never carry cash with me. Heard all or most of the stories.

I've even know restaurant workers that have been robbed in the AM. Downtown is just not safe. I'm there working most of the week and I never carry cash with me. Heard all or most of the stories.

I suggest carrying some mug money. Having nothing to give a mugger is a good way to tick him off and make him want to hurt you.

Prolly true, but I'm never there alone at night and I'll risk it for daytime only because my customer downtown has parking at his building for me. Besides I like to use the credit card for everything for miles. Every little bit helps on this island!

I've even know restaurant workers that have been robbed in the AM. Downtown is just not safe. I'm there working most of the week and I never carry cash with me. Heard all or most of the stories.

So- if you work in a restaurant there, how can you not leave with cash tips on you? Just wanting a little advice since I'm going to be moving there and looking for a restaurant/ hair salon job. 😛

Feel Lucky was never any safer then govt lot.

Not true. Feel Lucky is much closer to the "heart" of town. It buts right up to the boardwalk, which is often full of people. The Government Lot is in Watergut, which is ALWAYS a ghost town.

Nug we're going to have to agree to disagree, I can't think of five people off the top of my head that were robbed there when Zebos was still open. And plenty of people get robbed "in the heart of town". It only takes a minute unless you're doing it wrong.

chick,Restaurant/bars crews usually do there best to park as close as possible and walk each other to their cars. But what helps most working in restaurant and bars is you get to know most of the people downtown local and transplant and once they know you people look out for each other in general. Everyone you met in a small community like ours is generally important and might help you out later, so make as many friends as possible. But it's definitely risky working or partying downtown late at night as it is in f'sted, or north shore. All you can do is use common sense and try to avoid situations, doesn't mean it won't happen to you but it's all you can do.

Hiya- Thanks! I find it pretty easy to make friends. So, hopefully that will be a non issue. I'm pretty lucky right now- I live in downtown Nashville and I walk across a side street to get to work. There are weeks my car doesn't move. My bank is across the street, and Walgreens is caddy cornered from my building. My bar is only a block down the street. Funny- I just got into the easiest set up in my life- only this damn town doesn't have a beach. And truthfully- I'm pretty over Nashville. 10 years is long enough. 😀

So where are the people who claim violent crime in the islands is only "gang on gang"?

It is not "only gang on gang"...anyone can be victimized. You have to maintain a high level of situational awareness anywhere.

We need to reclaim our night life from the criminals. People should go out in force, support your local bars, clubs, etc, help boost the economy instead of sitting at home watching TV and letting the criminals run things. A strong male presence in the parking lot at night would discourage the criminal element and allow our young women to get to their cars without being accosted.

People leave here and go to Miami, New York, Atlanta, and come back talking about how much fun they had going to clubs and so on. How many young Crucians in Atlanta or Miami do you think stay home at night? Check them on Facebook, you'll see.

If every adult on St. Croix went out one night a week to have dinner and enjoy a drink or two at a local establishment we would have a vibrant night life and boost the economy. Don't tell me they have no money. Check the casino, they're still going.

No, I don't own a business. However, I remember back in the day when St. Croix was full of lively night time entertainment and nobody got mugged.

i heard that once upon a time, christiansted was the place to be at night