I think that before one ventures out that they should reasonably be aware of the areas through which they will be travelling. In addition, one should be aware of what is all around them and when possible walk as close to a wall as possible. If you walk near a wall, all you do is turn 90 degrees and put your back next the wall. That way nobody sneaks up on you. Posts make lousy protection devices because somebody will always try to sneak around one to get to you. If you have the chance, step back into a doorway or recess which will make approaching you even harder. Watch for people spread out along the sidewalk and one or two walking towards you. If you see two standing along the curb and two walking towards you expect an ambush type attack. Also be very leery of somebody approaching you with a, "Hey, Mister..." That could be the last thing that you hear because his buddy is striking you from behind. If you carry concealed think about where you need to have your gun for a sudden attack. Do you want your gun in a holster on your strong side or would it be better to have it in a coat pocket in your hand and ready? Do you walk with your hand in your pocket? The reason I ask is because I talked to a mugger who said that he NEVER would try to attack a person with their hand in their pocket because he thought that those people either had a gun or an open knife ready to go for fighting. What muggers look for are the perpetual victim or easy mark. The person who walks with their head down and looks timid but well dressed. Got that? Show some bling and look mousey, well, you're marked for a take down. Walk like you're angry, strong or proud and most muggers will leave you alone. Also make noise... yell... when confronted. Muggers hate noise, attention and light. Don't walk down dimly lit streets. Use your head. Scan ahead and if it looks dark in the middle of the block, go around that area by means of another well lighted street. Stay away from wooded areas like parks, cemeteries, etc. at night. If you know that you're going to be out late at night, carry something deceptive for clubbing a dirtbag like an umbrella or cane. If you're going to carry an umbrella or cane, know how to use it in a defensive manner. Don't leave anything behind at the scene when you leave either. Remember, when possible, try to "mark" your attacker in some fashion. If you are attacked or grabbed, and if you have a knife handy, slice the dirtbag deep across the belly or face really good to identify him later on if you need it. So what if you take out an eye of his? What's he going to do? Sue you? No, more than likely he'll try to say he was attacked "by some gangbangers" instead of admitting that he tried to rob somebody. If you do get attacked, do not and I mean NEVER again use that route home if it is at all possible. Just in case, have your attorney's phone number on speed dial should you need it or feel the need to talk to somebody of the legal profession.
