In all contexts and events, one is faced with an outcome dependent upon their training and skill to navigate to their desired outcome. Such that one is only as safe as they have trained to be, and only as skilled as they have decided upon. These decisions in the form of actions that provoke such learning. So, when many discuss involvements with other dividuals and preaching to turn the criminal element to a minimal through education and so on, they run amiss on that the solution is two prong. Teach the criminal element to be better and provide better contexts for their children and do better in teaching the average civilian to defend themselves from such elements. By the intention of the criminal in the first place, they have forgone the notion of betterment and skilful excellence, they have decided to take another option. If only to choose one, choose to train every son and daughter to fend assailants and criminals in all shapes and forms, for such element is far better quashed when the number of potential victims goes down to a minimum as well.
Meditate.