Bernal Heights, San Francisco crime - do the locals think there is alot of crime in the neighborhood?

Bernal Heights is considered far safer than the Mission to the north or the Hunter's Point area to the south (which together are considered 2 of the most dangerous areas in the city). However, if you look at actual crime reports--although there has not been a single murder in Bernal this year there have been over 500 assaults.
Put simply: you are still in the City and should behave accordingly--use common sense, don't go out alone for late night walks, stay alert when you are out and about, think about get a place with a garage so you don't have to worry about your car, etc.