Things have changed all over the world ............ some places worse then others .............. there are areas in my home town I would NEVER, and have NEVER walked in even during the day .................. so why would I walk late at night, in a foreign country, past places I do not know ? ?
Negril has reputation for all night parties but in reality most people are pretty tired after a big day and turn in early .............. lots of beach places close up early in the evening ............ so there are places where the only people around are not looking out for your best interest
Unless you can find a larger group to travel with, get a taxi .............. they are cheap cheap cheap