We spent six weeks in SXM this January/February and went to Gallion most every day. Never saw or heard of any break ins and never felt uncomfortable.
The weekends are particularly crowded with locals who love their loud music. It is their island and some weekends we stayed away because of the loud music and not for any other reason.
We never leave anything of value in the car or on the beach, which is what we would do at any beach anywhere else. We walked the beach each day and if nobody stayed at the chairs we took our cash, kindles and keys with us in a small waterproof bag.
The food at Tropical wave is delicious. Our family loves to have lunch there with our feet in the sand and a view of the bay and Saint Barts.
It is sad that Gallion has such a bad reputation. Pat Turner has a man rake the beach and area near his restaurant on a daily basis and he maintains the area and volleyball courts.