Crime threads...advice for a sort of newbie?

[kibby]

Spent a lot of time in Negril in 80s/early 90s. 4-5 months a year for 5 years. That said, I haven't been back to Negril since 1993. I did post that in the late 80s I had some travelers checks stolen in Negril, but that didn't stop me from going back to Negril for 4 months the next year. Getting married and having children did!

So now that I'm going back after 20 years, should I really be concerned? I'm a seasoned traveler, but has Negril changed so much that crime is rampant? I still have many old and trusted Jamaican friends in Negril who I will be so happily reuniting with. The thought of staying in an AI never crossed my mind! It's totally unappealing to me. But some of these recent discussions about crime from posters who have been going to Negril regularly over the past 20 years makes me wonder if the Negril I once so loved is gone....

Any advice from those who used to go in the 80s/early 90s about what I can expect in terms of change would be appreciated. I never stayed on the beach or cliffs...always stayed in town or in the hills. I am staying on the beach this time. Places to avoid? Things to avoid (other than the obvious)?

Thanks
Kim

[Flipadelphia26]

You'll be 100% fine on the beach during the day time. The higglers can be a pain, but really... No thank you - over and over and over works.

At night time, I would stick to the beach road when walking from place to place. There are more lights and more eyes. Plus you can get some good barrel jerk at night.

I havent had too many issues walking at night toward the west end area, other than the occasional car driving way too fast. I would recommend taking a car if you must get from place to place unless it is as short walk. (At night that is)

Just make sure you're not blackout wasted to the point where you dont have any semblance of you whits about you, and you'll be OK. During the night time, dont wander up any lanes that you're unfamiliar with.

I was a Newb just 24 short months ago, but have been six times since? I dont know I lost count.

We stuck our toes in the first time, then went all in with another poster here who frequents the island as much as anyone here. We feel fairly comfortable with the area now. But we try not to let our guard down too much. Particularly at night. Day time on the beach, there's nothing better in the world than bar hopping.

[poolguywindsor]

Most of the change is good, it is like anywhere you would travel, use your head and do the best to not put yourself in possible situations. Negril of old is not gone its just changed with the times like every where else.

[Patricia]

2 words....COMMON SENSE

[Flipadelphia26]

And kibby... It's definitely not as bad as where we are from....


Just a week or 2 ago.

http://articles.philly.com/2014-01-2...n-monday-night

I am sure you are familiar with Northern Liberties. A neighborhood where the yuppies and hipsters live.

It had been a pleasant Sunday for Stephanie and Amber Long: a shopping trip where they picked out a $14 purse, an evening jewelry party. And now, mother and daughter were making their way home.

It was around 10:30 p.m., and they were walking to their car, parked on a Belgian block-paved stretch of Front Street in Northern Liberties where ritzy new apartments share space with vacant lots.

On the last day of her life, 26-year-old Amber, an architect who lived in South Philadelphia, had parked near a friend's house. She and her mother, Stephanie, a jeweler from Harrisburg who often visited her daughter, were steps from their car.

That's when two men approached from behind.

One snatched Stephanie Long's purse. The other went for the bag Amber had picked out with her mother.

Amber held on.

There was a loud pop.

And Stephanie Long turned to see Amber on the ground with a gunshot wound in her chest.





Or in November

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/...232596141.html


Woman Raped, Beaten, Robbed in Center City

Police are searching for a man who they say beat, robbed and raped a woman in Center City last week.

Investigators say the 29-year-old woman left the Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar on S. 12th Street last Thursday around 11 p.m. to feed a parking meter.

As she walked towards her car, police say she was approached by an unidentified m

[Mike_D]

Hello, fellow Philadelphian! If you are a seasoned traveller, you will be fine. People will say, "it's a fact that there is now more crime in Negril", but that needs to be taken with a grain of salt. It sounds to me that the crimes that are occurring today are the same crimes that occurred in the 70's and 80's. Only now, it may be a laptop being stolen instead of a wallet being fished through the grill of a window. Is there more crime now? Maybe - but there are also more people. Plus, I have yet to see any crime statistics; only a lot of here-say on the internet. And as Rob stated in his thread, the advent of the internet has allowed this type information to be shared quickly, where in the past we probably never hear about most of the crime that occurred in Negril.

To echo what others have said, bring your common sense and you'll be fine.

[Van]

A guy known as Harry the Hippy had stuff stolen on the beach. He chased the thief,and
got stabbed by him. Never returned to Negril. This was over 35 years ago. sh t can happen. I have been in Negril every year since the early 80's, never a problem. Use common sense.

[Mike_D]

Great post Flip!

This just goes to show how shocking it can be when headlines like this are called out. Fact of the matter is, I feel very safe working in Center City and living in Manayunk (although the hipsters in Northern Liberties & Fishtown kinda scare me). I still feel safe in Negril, as well.

[Flipadelphia26]

Great post Flip!

This just goes to show how shocking it can be when headlines like this are called out. Fact of the matter is, I feel very safe working in Center City and living in Manayunk (although the hipsters in Northern Liberties & Fishtown kinda scare me). I still feel safe in Negril, as well.

Yup, just puts things in perspective.

[Hussyband]

All the Philadelphians are going to chime in, I guess.

It's fine. Just use the same caution you would in Philly, and be aware.

I think a lot of what you are seeing is getting blown out of proportion. I had my issue back in November, but it was my own fault. What happened to kahuna! was by his own admission a result of letting his guard down.

Think about the thousands and thousands of people that go to the island every week, and nothing happens. Negril residents by and large are looking out for the safety of the tourist, as we drive a good portion of the economy. Frankly, when my incident happened, I was somewhat blown over by the support of strangers and the police. We probably have a higher rate of bad people here in Philly per 100 residents than you will see in negril.

And as I have said time and again... I am booked for November in spite of any issues.