One Detroit resident comes up with creative and inexpensive anti-thug measure:

http://www.npr.org/2011/12/05/142341520/blotting-not-squatting-in-detroit-neighborhoods

This resident has bought a home in a depressed neighborhood and is improving his corner of the world. After his dog was shot by punks, he takes anti-thug measures suggested by Hollywood/vampire mythology, only he doesn't hang garlic about to scare off the goblins:

"Garcia throws shotgun shells on his front porch, to keep intruders away. He buried his dog in back after someone shot it. Still, Garcia says this neighborhood is a gem. There's space now. Lots of it. Behind the fence he's planted trees and shrubs: honey locust, Siberian elm, white pine, purple lilac."

Good luck Mr. Garcia, you're going to make it through just fine.