Always put cash in you wallet before you exit the store especially when it's dark, and put valuables GPS/Cash/phone under the seat when you enter a store in a shady neighborhood.

To get past crazy people downtown (and "Save the Children" fundraisers), don't make eye contact but don't avoid it either. Fix your eyes on something a block or so away that's ~30 degrees away from them (so that it's clear to them you can see them in your periphery, but are not looking at them) and look annoyed. No idea why it works. I think even paranoid schizophrenics feel uncomfortable interrupting someone clearly focused on an unpleasant task.

Walk/act like you live there. People can easily tell if you're not from the area and you become a target. Don't keep your nose buried in your phone like a tourist. Keep your head up, pay attention, and don't make eye contact. Stick to well-lit, populated streets with open businesses. If you are being followed, you'll have a safe place to duck in. You're less likely to get jumped where there's cameras and witnesses. Don't walk everywhere with earbuds in. It lets everyone know you have a smartphone/iPod on your person and you aren't paying attention. Don't walk around texting constantly either. Don't flash cash around. Separate big bills from smaller ones, or keep small bills on the outside of your cash roll. If you go to pay for a coffee, for example, don't bust out a wad of 20's and flip through it to get some 1's. You never know who's watching.

The simplest advice of all: don't put yourself in bad situations. Read your local crime blotter and a few trends will become obvious: most violent crimes occur after dark, most accidental deaths involve alcohol and cars, and too many people confess to crimes before speaking to an attorney. So get home early, don't drink and drive, and if you're ever arrested, STFU until you speak to your attorney.

I once heard to walk as if "everyone is going to mug you." I now know that it is best to walk as if you are going to mug everyone. Predators recognize each other.

Anytime you feel like you're getting away with a steal, or some guy offers a deal that's too good to be true, it is. Don't do it. People get hustled all the time by charismatic guys who know how to play to the average person. No self respecting business or whatever will need you to pay anything in cash with no receipt. No one is going to give you something of extreme value for super cheap unless there is something wrong with it, or you're hooked into all kinds of odd fees and s**t. Even a free car still has to have the taxes paid on it. Sorry to sound like such a downer, but 999/1000, you are not just "super lucky". That guy is trying to scam you out of something.

Knowing the greeting 'Hey, Big Man' is a trap

My wife grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. She knows her shit and has been in many sketchy situations. She says that what really matters is to read the room. Disengage if you can, but if you do have to engage be respectful and talk your way out. Even play the ditzy blonde if you have to and make a joke. Run when necessary.

If someone asks to borrow your phone to call the police because they've just been mugged or something, say you will dial the police for them. If they say no, they can do it, refuse. They were probably looking to run away with your phone. Learnt this from brother's streetwise gf while in Paris.

ANY stranger talking to you is a possible threat of violence or a hustle. Most strangers that talk to you are just being friendly or needs directions, or what ever. If you’re not a decent fighter sober, you are not by some miracle an mma fighter because you are drunk.

If a group of people suddenly get down, so do you.

Pay attention esp to someone who is paying YOU attention. Looking around and hand tapping or brushing a pocket is a bad sign. Most people are right handed, so in an altercation step to the side of that arm. They will have to reposition themselves giving you a second or two to defend. If they start repeating a phrase over and over they are going to strike for certain. The brain loses train of thought as they prepare for that. Best one tip really is to just be aware of your surroundings and know the exits. Our phones have greatly reduced this, and its bad. Your tweet, FB update can wait I promise you this. Your goal if attacked is to ESCAPE. Too many internet badasses and action movie watchers think it will end with them standing over a fallen foe doing a victory pose. Your plan will go to shit 100% once your in a fight. Violence is chaotic and ugly in real life, and death and serious injuries happen all the time from basic assaults.