Never have money in hand (such as when you are putting it in your wallet or purse) when on the street. Panhandlers have a virtual radar to zero in on that. They will walk right up and ask you to give it to them; that is, if they don’t try to grab it.
Situational awareness means look out for potential attackers in cars, too.
I got cash from an ATM and began walking toward a subway station. Thugs followed me in a car, 1 jumped out, knocked me down, grabbed my purse, jumped back in car & took off.
Head on swivel & have a means of self defense— always.