I've noticed an uptick across the Caribbean and Latin America. The crimes against foreigners hit the head lines, but there is always ongoing horrific petty violence. (For example, a neighbor dispute degenerates into a machete attack with a woman ending up in the hospital with a long gash across her neck and chest. Attacker gets 2 years in jail. Happened right here in Puerto Plata and such drama is a routine occurrence).
My personal theory is that the uptick in violence is to due to a more relaxed role of militaries in countries which are moving toward more liberal forms of democracy. The worst offenders in the past would be hunted down and shot like rabbits, but now the civil police need to pick up the slack and are not yet as efficient. When I first came to the DR 5+ years ago, the military was very active and I found myself often in checkpoints and such. (Some shaking me down for cash). Now, I see them, but their role is much more relaxed.
As for protecting yourself, it depends. If you're a tourist gringo that speaks only a few words of spanish, I'd stick to the tourist areas and only travel elsewhere with a spanish speaking friend/guide. Couple ideas:
* If you get robbed, give up your possessions and don't fight back.
* Don't bring anything that you're not willing to lose. I family heirloom that you're not willing to part with can get you killed.
* Don't wear bling. If you're with somebody or a group, don't let them wear bling; confront them and talk about safety.
* When out in public, keep your mobile/cell phone in your pocket. Don't use it on the street.
* Hire a trusted taxi to travel (from your hotel).
* Don't have set patterns such as walking to the beach every night at 5:30 on the same path; switch up your times and routes.
* Don't tell people you get paid on the 15th so they know when you have money (especially pensioners).
* Don't trust someone presenting himself as a guide or 'friend'; somehow/someway he's scamming you. They can be useful, but it's better to just pay them upfront for their services rather then having them making side deals everywhere you go (padding your restaurant/bar bills, lining up chikas with a 20% finders fee, etc. ) Just know that you're paying them and they see you as a mark. Same applies to Taxi drivers taking you to specific stores, etc.
* Buy clothes with zippered pockets for money, phones, etc.
* Use your hotel safe especially if you're bringing guests into your room.
* Don't wear sunglasses and look people in the eye. Don't act like a scared rabbit ready to bolt as it brings out the predator instinct in thieves. Hats are fine. (I still wear sunglasses whenever possible, but not when walking down a urban street. You'll notice the locals rarely wear sun glasses.)
* Counter surveillance - check for people following you. When turning a corner, look behind you for anybody trailing you. If you think you are, go to a bank, store, etc or anywhere with people. Take a taxi from there (call your hotel if nobody speaks English to help you out). Once the perp has "been made" they usually back off. I once had a large gang trailing me through Mexico City, and they backed off when I stared them down. Of course, I was next to a police officer in full riot gear. Next day, I had a car and driver setup by the hotel. Bummer because I like walking the streets, seeing and meeting people.
* Travel in groups or friends. Lone wolves are easier to corner. At least, do this until you get use to the culture and area.
Most of these are common sense if you think about it, but it takes practice to make them a habit.
Honestly, I'm more concerned about my personal safety in many North American urban cities. Chicago has had 7100 murders in the last 15 years. It's a small war zone onto itself, and that's not even the worst of worst. I lived in Jacksonville Florida which had an alarming violence and murder rate. On and on.