I went to NY on vacation a while back. I carried one of those 2 AA cell Mini Mag Lights. From my understanding, you can't even carry a knife in NY. If the bad guys have a gun, then just hand it over. Even if they have a knife, it is best to hand it over. Its not worth risking your life or serious bodily injury, especially with kids in tow. Now if they try to abduct anyone or worse, then fight with everything and anything you've got.
While I personally hate NYC, it has it's "cultural value" and everyone should visit at least once. So assuming you are NOT going to avoid crime by avoiding NYC, here are a few things I would do to avoid crime in NYC.
- Avoid looking like a tourist. I know this will be impossible for most, especially if it is your first time. Try not to carry too many things (massive packs or camera bags). Keep your eyes open and exercise the situational awareness everyone else is talking about.
- Do not dress in flashy clothes or wear flashy jewelry (watches, handbags, etc...). (Its kind of hard to avoid if you're going to a show or some of the nicer places). If you are going out for a night on the town, take a cab instead of the subway.
- Restrict your excursions to places that are more crowded and only during times when it is more likey for lots of people to be around. Ask the hotel concierge or tourist information places rather then people off of the street.
- Carry all cash, IDs, and credit cards in a safe place. A lot of people use pouches worn around their necks and tuck them inside their shirts. If you do get mugged, just give up your wallet. Consider a secondary wallet if you have a really nice wallet. Only pull out your neck pouch in a private place such as a restroom stall. You never know who is looking.
- Credit cards are much safer than cash in general, but you will need to keep some cash. Do NOT FLASH your cash around. I'm from Miami and have seen this so many times. Some totally oblivious person thinks its cool to show off by whipping out a wad of cash. Its probably a bunch of ones with a few big bills around the outside, but it attracts the wrong kind of attention.
Thats most of the tips I have right now. I will post more if I think of anything. I hope this wasn't too obvious!