Most visits and daily life in Brooklyn are uneventful, and a few simple habits help. Keep your phone out of sight when you walk near the platform edge, lock your bike with a strong lock, do not leave valuables in your car and be alert in crowded places. If something feels wrong, move toward people and light, and ask for help.
Be careful with online scams, including fake rental ads, requests for gift cards or wire transfers and calls from people who claim to be from a utility or government agency. Genuine agencies do not demand immediate payment by gift card.
The best protection is a connected community. Join your block association, attend your community board meetings, learn about the free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training and get to know your neighbours; people who know each other look out for each other.