Been in Boston for 15 years. Never had a problem. I've crossed the city many times at 2am walking drunk from a bar, nothing. Not even a single package theft in 15 years.
As a male, I've done the same in Atlanta and in Seattle. In Atlanta, was so late coming home that the transit was closed and I walked 7ish miles to get home. Through downtown.
I still don't claim it is a safer city than Seattle. Not by a long shot. Just as I don't recommend walking downtown Seattle super late. Though, of course, have done so many times. Similarly, we never had package theft in Seattle. I don't know how I could claim that isn't a thing, though.
