New York City currently is today one of the safest cities in the world and the credit for making New York City safe is largely attributed to an individual known as Rudolph ‘Rudy’ Giuliani who served as the mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001. Rudy Giuliani undertook several initiatives which helped reduce crime all over the city and today in spite of being populated by over 8 million people New York City is often counted amongst the safest cities in the world.
However like in every major urban center you have to take precautions while being out and about in the city.
- It always helps to be aware of your surroundings. In crowded coffee shops and restaurants you must try not to hang your handbag at the back of your chair but keep it with you where it is visible.
- In crowded subways you should try keep a wallet in your front pocket and make sure your handbag is zipped shut and positioned securely under your arm or in front. Backpacks unfortunately are easy to get to and if you have to carry a backpack you should make sure it is locked.
- It’s prudent also not to flaunt jewelry, cameras or cash in public.
- Be extra vigilant while using ATMs and try and use one which is located within the confines of the branch of a bank or a store like Duane Reade. Try not to carry too much cash around with you as most establishments accept credit cards and debit cards, even taxis.
- After dark, stick to main streets and hop into a cab if you are not sure about a neighborhood. This is advisable for late night jaunts in the city though the city buses and subways run 24/7.
- If you do plan to take the subway at night, be sure to stand on the part of the platform which is marked with the sign that states that the train stops at that spot during off peak hours and try and get into a car which is relatively crowded rather than an isolated one.
- If you feel ‘lost’ try an approach a police officer and ask for directions though if you cannot find a police officer then you should try and walk into a store to get directions.
- Business districts are usually deserted at night and if you need to be in such an area after hours, call a cab or a car service to get you to and from there.
- Do try and avoid the city parks at night time as well.
- When in the outer boroughs try not to take a ‘Gypsy Cab’. These are usually private vehicles which offer cab services but they are usually uninsured and unmetered and not really ‘safe’.
If you do follow the above ‘common-sense’ rules which are in fact applicable to any large urban center then you should be safe and sound in ‘the city that never sleeps’. New York City doesn’t really hold any special dangers for women. In fact New York City women who tend to lead busy lives are usually out and about in the city at all odd hours of the day and night.
