““Urban gangs” sounds like a target rich environment.”
I live in a suburban area but I’m from and still have a home in a rural area. I’m not at all unsure that it won’t come down to something like this. The problem for the urban gangs, though, is that they are vastly outnumbered.
I’m not a “prepper” but I do spend time thinking about how I’d get out of the urban area if the SHTF. Routes I’d take. Things I’d take and things I’d leave. Always keep at least half a tank in the pickup because that’ll get me to the ranch where and we have gas there. I hate to think about it, but, I’m afraid not to.
Your concerns are well-placed. The sheeple don’t realize how quickly things could go south, and order would collapse. Most grocery stores have only a four-day supply of food on hand, thanks to “just-in-time” logistics. Your local gas station gets a new fuel shipment daily; without that delivery, their tanks would run dry in less than 24 hours.
Now, imagine any scenario that incites mass social panic. It could be a natural disaster, a financial collapse, a nuclear detonation by terrorists in a major city, or a combination of factors. When that happens, the thin blue line evaporates and control passes to the strongest tribe, to borrow a phrase from Bing West. Within days—perhaps hours—you’d see street gangs battling each other and occupying large chunks of major and medium-sized cities. After looting urban areas, they will prey on the suburbs, particularly in states with strict gun laws.
About that time, you’ll see tens of thousands of city dwellers and suburbanites trying to flee to the countryside. Governors and local officials in those areas will have to establish check points to keep most of them out, and mobilize the national guards against the gangs, which will try to extend their control—and plunder needed resources in outlying areas.
I’m not a prepper, either, but I maintain enough guns and ammo to defend myself and my wife; I’ve got a portable supply of non-perishable food and enough physical gold to get some gas on the road. It’s 19 hours to my property in a southern state, and my plan is to try to get there ahead of the stampede, God willing.