The best defense is a good offense. Don't look or act like a victim. Head up, on a swivel, know your surroundings, be ready to act, not react.

I work in a crappy part of town, literally, as the homeless have used our doorstep as a latrine before. Before I get out of my truck at 0630ish, I scan the area. It's not real well lit, but enough. I keep my keys in my hand as I approach the shop door. Ever been raked by keys, hurts a lot. I do have a knife on me, a Leatherman Wingman (Xmas gift, sister, last year) which I use at work a lot.

The scan is the important part. I start it when I get off the main road and continue up to and through my building entrance.

Should I see something I don't like, 911 is but a call away, and the police station is just up the street.