That was exactly the way it was back in my home town shortly after WWII.
Most wannabees only survived a week or two before they got their clocks cleaned in barfights by the local vets.
One guy lasted a year or so, because his power trip was picking on teens at lovers lanes.
A load of #6 shot ended his 'career' late one night.
Wasn't that the MO of the Zodiac killer???