[miss marmelstein]

You have to look before you and behind you. That’s, sadly, why I always cross the street if I see a bummy-looking kid around. They are up to no good. Unfortunately, many people, especially the elderly, are not aware of their surroundings.

[grania]

My experience is that if there are three or more youths together with no purpose in their actions, they might well be a threat. A lot of this stuff happens when they're showing off for their friends.

Unfortunately many people, especially the elderly, are not aware of their surroundings

I'm not sure it's not just the elderly who aren't aware. The problem is that thugs regard the elderly as easy targets.

One thing I'd like to add. When I'm walking on a city street, I tend to walk closer to the road than in the shadow of buildings. I know the rule is "walk on the right", but it's really not the safest place. Another thing I don't do is walk in places where there isn't a presence of "safe people"....workers on break, tourists, shoppers, etc

[Scarpetta]

I make it a point to look directly into their eyes, those whose mien I perceive as menacing. That way they know this white woman is not an oblivious or willing pigeon.