We have been to this area a total of 7 times covering from Blue Lagoon down to Grenada. Taking reasonable precautions (locking dinghy, locking boat) we have had zero issues with crime. I am not crazy about Union and pretty much only stop there to reprovision.
The boat boys, especially in Mayreau/Tobago Cays can be quite helpful as well as amusing and is it is worth giving them a few dollars (for a service), chatting them up, and offering a beer or water.. In Bequia they can be a bit shady, but I believe that down island they are regulated.
