TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Mont Vernon to Orient Village Safety

We are coming to the island in March of 2025. We have been many times, but always stayed near Orient Village. This time we’re staying in Mont Vernon. We love the restaurants in Orient Village. I am guessing it’s smarter to drive versus walk down the beach in the evenings, with the apparent rise in crime.. I would appreciate hearing some opinions.