Statistically, the Caribbean as a whole is the murder capital of the world! Right up there with Iraq and Afghanistan! That's per capita speaking and much of that comes from Nassau, St. Kitts, Trinidad and Jamaica. BVI is safe as safe is but when it all is put in perspective it's the same as playing the lottery only you have a little say in the odds. The old saying is take the same precautions you would at home. Problem is most people don't take any at home and even less on vacation when you're relaxed and have your guard down. Common sense, be aware of your surroundings and limit risk. If going to a place like Gene's (which is great!) happens to be slightly more risky around festival time due to it being a mainly local joint, in Carrot Bay where a lot of the action takes place, and attracts outsiders from the US Virgins... then don't go! The trend is not going to go the other way. Crime statistics rise and fall but crime over all is probably going to increase for the foreseeable future. Look at the changes in Bermuda and Anguilla over the last 15 years. Absolutely shocking! BVI is still very low for crime. My theory has always been MTV! Once they stopped playing Duran Duran videos and morphed into the social influence, crap spewing media they are now, it had an impact on our youth and it's trickled down all the way to the islands.