When I lived in the 'rougher part of the city' I used to get mugged alot so I found alternative ways to get home and I started working out, that's also when I started getting taller and my facial hair started to kick in. It was still a problem though, So I started carrying a 6-inch razor at all times. I never had to use it, usually whipping it out would make them (by 'them' I mean there was always atleast 3 of 'them'), (also by 'them' I mean lebinese dudes, not racist but they all practically live in one place and they travel in packs) fuck off, sometimes however; they would in turn bring a few blades or a nightstick, in which case I ran and usually was caught and got my head kicked in and my few dollers for lunch stolen.

Now it's not a problem at all, no one fucks with me because I'm atleast 6 inches taller than most people. I still don't carry much, my wallet with maybe 10 bucks unless I'm going somewhere, my cell and maybe my pipe. Oh and my hackey sack of course but anyway.
That sucks man, the way the world rolls.