We plan to rent a private villa on Baie Rouge beach St. Martin. Is our safety or security at risk especially at night? I would also be renting a car to get around. Is it safe to travel the roads at night?

We rented a house on Baie Rouge about 2 years ago and felt quite safe. Like anywhere else you go just use common sense - i.e. don't leave valuables unprotected, lock the doors when you are not there, etc. You well need a rental car to get around the island and yes it is safe to drive at night. Again, use common sense when selecting where you go and park.

Hello JC! A Traveller hit it right on the mark.That would go for anywhere, not just the islands of course. If you treat the Caribbean as if you are staying in some big U. S. city you will be fine. Always use common sense precautions like you would anywhere else.

One thing we learned the hard way was to never leave anything in your rental car, either seating area or the trunk.

Good advice to be cautious at night as you would in a city, keep to roads you're familiar with and stay away from remote locations.

We've stayed on St. Martin several times and absolutely love it, so try not to worry.

I would not worry too much. As the others mentioned you need to use common sense anywhere you go, especially if you are not familiar with a particular area. Walking around the marina area at night trying to find a taxi was a little odd as it was really dark and some streets were really empty, so we just turned around and went to a more crowded street. I have never had a problem in St Martin, but you always need to use your head. Have a great trip!

You are right to be concerned about crime on St. Martin/Maarten, but don't let it ruin your trip. My extended family and I have been going to SXM for 30 years now, and I must tell you we have had several crime-related incidents, including two burglaries and at least one day-time purse-snatching.

St. Martin is a beautiful, wonderful island with so many joys to be had, but don't be careless: lock your house/room at night and when you are gone, use its safe if you have one. If you're walking around at night, stay in groups. Don't go around looking for a taxi in the dark--restaurant and hotel employees will be more than happy to call one for you.

One interesting note: In the past couple of years, the French gendarmes have stepped up their presence quite a bit, and it's rumored that crime is now worse on the Dutch side.

One other note: Baie Rouge is safer than most areas on St. Martin because it is part of the Terre Basses, which is gated and patrolled by the neighborhood association at night.