New York is America's safest big city

New York is now the safest of America's large cities, new figures show.

Safety conscious travellers will be reassured to learn that crime in the Big Apple dropped by four per cent from 2003 to 2004, according to no less a source than the FBI.

Once considered one of America's most dangerous cities, the popular tourist destination that boasts attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Time Square and Central Park, is responsible for 20 per cent of America's decline in crime since 2001.

"The FBI's ranking of New York as the safest big city in America is fantastic news for the nearly 40 million visitors who come each year," said Cristyne Nicholas, head of NYC & Company.

"This news shows why New York City has become such a popular destination for visitors who come from around the world to see the attractions, Broadway shows, world-class shopping, museums and the finest restaurants in the world."

New York was the safest of America's 25 largest cities, and 18th safest of the 240 cities with a population of 100,000 or more.

For information on New York see www.nycvisit.com