Reply #123: That's an interesting point but according to self-defense instructors it works the other way too

[slackmaster]

If you walk around with a heightened awareness of your surroundings, your demeanor changes in ways that make you less likely to become the victim of a crime.

One anecdote - My tax accountant used to carry large amounts of cash for a business he did the books for. The place was in National City, CA which is notorious for gang activity.

After he was robbed at gunpoint once, he took the course, filed the application, and got a permit to carry one of his guns concealed. The course taught him how to carry himself and how to spot potential attackers before they make a move.

He hasn't been attacked since he started carrying his weapon.

Your mileage may vary.

The biggest point, I feel, that needs to be made here, is that, if you are prudent and wary, you will know where you can go, and where you shouldn't go, and what times are safe.

Joe, I don't believe any reasonable person would disagree with that sentence. The problem is that sometimes people don't have complete control over where they must be and at what time of day.