Night time security

[Jame]

Was there in January for a week and never felt in danger or anything to be worried about. We would walk along West end Rd(very carefully) to de bar, mi yard, 3 dives, canoe, quality's, etc from our friends place behind Ras Rodys. We would even turn off at Ras Rodys and walk back inland to where we were staying and even through a little alley to Seastar. Had an amazing time and can't wait to go back. However now I am ready post of people recommending not to walk the west end/cliffs after sunset, don't walk the beach after sunset, etc. I don't recall having any issues not do I recall being in the minority as a ton of others were doing this as well. Can someone shed a little light on this? I am beginning to think I rolled the dice and came out lucky with no issues.

[Mike_D]

Much of the concern about walking the West End Rd at night, has to do with traffic safety. After dark, it is more difficult for a car to see you and this can be dangerous in areas with no shoulder or sidewalk to walk on. That said, I personally do walk the West End at night, but only short distances I am comfortable with (like Home Sweet Home to Jenny's or Mirage to Shark's). Anything more than a 5 minute walk, I usually take a taxi.

[phineasfreakears]

Agree with Mike for the most part. After going there a couple dozen times I feel safe 99.9% of the time. I always believe I can handle any situation that comes up. However after the senseless random killing of a tourist on the road near La Kaisers last May I have changed my way of thinking. On the west end road I take a taxi after dark, and never go alone. With familiarity comes a false sense of security. Be smart, stay safe, never let your guard down. Just my thoughts

[jojo p]

Crime has escalated up in the cliffs area, no way would I walk around after dark.

[mcamp]

Crime has escalated up in the cliffs area, no way would I walk around after dark.

When you are referring to crime, in which way....are we talking violent crime, or petty theft???

[Mike_D]

Crime has escalated up in the cliffs area...

Examples? I honestly haven't heard much lately.

[Bnewb]

Agree with Mike for the most part. After going there a couple dozen times I feel safe 99.9% of the time. I always believe I can handle any situation that comes up. However after the senseless random killing of a tourist on the road near La Kaisers last May I have changed my way of thinking. On the west end road I take a taxi after dark, and never go alone. With familiarity comes a false sense of security. Be smart, stay safe, never let your guard down. Just my thoughts

Phineasfreakers....just a FYI...the random killing you're referring, has been reported as NOT random...senseless yes, random no.

Having said that...information provided already is great. After dark is never easy anywhere and should be treated with caution.
After living in Jamaica for the last 10 years & the West End for almost 5 years...you do learn most events are truly not random here. As JoJo suggested...rumours especially in Negril can be INSANE...even from seemingly credible sources...thus the reason Negril.com takes its time trying to weed through the rumours to the truth....but robberies can happen and not just by the locals...so don't ever stop being aware.

And...like everyone said...watch out for traffic day or night anyplace in Jamaica but especially in the West End...we drive on the left side as you know and the road is tight.

[jamaicajeanne]

There are many places along the beach where there is not much for lighting. If you are walking a long distance, in the dark, along the beach, you are rolling the dice in my opinion. Many tourists drink or smoke too much, wear their fancy jewelry and are looking down using their phones....just be smart.

[Jame]

Thanks a ton everyone. That's sorta what I thought. At night I am always super careful walking a short distance but anything to far and a quick taxi works. I feel that confident feeling of not being afraid, or feeling in danger there and get what you mean by don't let your guard down.

[jojo p]

I know people , personally that live up on the West End, some part time, some all year around. I know plenty , but I respect this board ,that it is not a rumour mill,
and does not appreciate hear say, so, I will stand by my comment... no way would I ever walk up around there after dark. That's just me !