Tourist’s Safety Tips Spark Debate in NYC

There’s a nervous tourist in New York City, and her take on safety has stirred up quite a reaction online. Some find it “ridiculous” that potential crime casts a shadow over enjoying the city.

In a viral video, a concerned mother named Victoria shared her apprehensions about navigating the Big Apple. “Please stay safe in New York,” she urged, echoing her famously cautious approach to life. Despite recent decreases in mass shootings and other crimes, her video outlines various safety hacks.

Victoria, who has amassed over 7.8 million TikTok followers, offered tips intended to help people enjoy the city without worry. Yet, some viewers were taken aback, feeling her precautions were excessive.

Among her over-the-top measures were tucking her purse strap between her thighs while sipping coffee near Times Square and barricading her hotel room door with everyday items to ward off potential nighttime intruders.

This didn’t sit well with many New Yorkers. A local responded, “Girl, New York isn’t that dangerous,” while another viewer sarcastically asked, “Are you okay?” The frustration was palpable; they pointed out that being overly cautious could prevent someone from truly enjoying the city.

One commenter humorously reminded her, “This is New York, not Gotham,” referencing Batman’s fictional, crime-ridden city. Others chimed in, suggesting that if she was that fearful, perhaps she shouldn’t visit at all.

Amid the critiques, some users did express support for Victoria’s hypervigilance. One praised her for putting an Apple AirTag on her young son’s wrist during an evening stroll, recognizing the importance of awareness in a bustling environment like Midtown.

“Great tip. Staying alert while exploring New York is essential,” another commenter acknowledged, while a few others felt that only the AirTag suggestion made sense, suggesting the rest of her hacks were unnecessary.