As such, the possibility of reprisal or sympathetic attacks cannot be discounted. Due to this increased threat, the U.S. State Department issued a supplementary Public Announcement on 16 December 1998 urging worldwide caution for U.S. nationals traveling overseas. U.S. nationals traveling St. Thomas are not necessarily designated as potential targets, but are advised to exercise caution and be vigilant in their security measures. Security conditions in St. Thomas are primarily affected by crime and drug trafficking . The crime level in St. Thomas is lower than in most major metropolitan U.S. cities.
Criminals target tourists because they are perceived to be comparatively wealthy.
Tourists should take appropriate precautions. As a testament to the island's growing crime problem, some cruise lines will no longer keep ships in dock overnight to discourage their passengers from returning to the ship late at night. One growing trend of concern is the increase in violent crime in the city. Although St. Thomas attracts many tourists and is perceived as being completely safe, visitors should be aware that safety concerns do exist on the island. At least five tourists, four from the U.S. and one from Italy, have been killed by criminals in the past several years.