Despite having a population of more than 8 million people, New York City consistently ranks in the top ten safest large cities (cities with more than 500,000 people) in the United States. Violent crimes in New York City have dropped by over two thirds in the last decade and the FBI reports that murder rates in 2000 were the lowest since 1967. However. This does not mean that you should wander around staring up at the buildings completely oblivious to everything going on around you. Besides being unsafe people will think you’re from New Jersey. In any case here are a few common sense rules to follow that will help you have a safe visit.

Panhandlers are best ignored, and the easiest way to divert persistent panhandlers is to avoid eye contact. Generally, even the most persistent request can be deterred with a firm "No".

Pickpockets often work in teams - one person will create a diversion, either by falling or dropping something, while the other person picks the pocket. Crowded street performances can provide pickpockets a similar opportunity -- so while it is fine to watch the musicians or artists, be aware of your surroundings and where your wallet and valuables are. Sidewalk card and shell games are most often scams as well -- participation almost guarantees you'll be giving your money away.

Most of the popular tourist destinations are well populated and safe. During the daytime, almost all areas of Manhattanare safe for walking. Times Square is a great place to visit at night and it stays populated until after midnight, when theater-goers head home.

Safety Tips for Travelers

• Avoid drawing attention to yourself as a tourist: don't stand on street corners looking at maps and do your best to walk confidently, as this will deter many criminals.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• In crowded subways, keep your wallet in your front pocket, rather than the rear, and keep your purse closed and held in front of you or on the side.
• Don't flaunt jewelry, cameras or cash in public. If you need to organize your wallet, duck into a store.
• Use caution when using ATMs and don't carry too much cash around with you -- most places accept credit cards and there are ATMs everywhere.
• After dark, stick to main streets if you don't know where you are going. If you find yourself on a lonely side street after dark walk in the roadway (facing traffic, of course).
• If you feel uncomfortable or lost, approach a police officer or a friendly store owner to get your bearings or directions.
• When in doubt of your destination or the safety of a neighborhood, take a cab, especially late at night.
• Many business districts are desolate at night, especially midtown -- keep this in mind when deciding whether to walk or take a cab.
• If taking the subway late at night, stand near the "During off hours trains stop here" sign or in view of the Metro-Card booth. Ride in cars with more people and preferably in the conductor's car (you will see him look out the window of the train when it stops).

In the highly unlikely case that you find yourself a victim of malfeasance run, don't walk, to the neasrest police officer. In case of an immediate emergency, call 911. Otherwise, contact 311 (free from any pay phone) and you will be directed to an officer who will be able to take a report. 311 calls are answered 24 hours a day by a live operator.