Advice on theft and real world realities

I think the best protection is first to use common sense, like hersey says, check your surroundings, when in doubt, move somewhere else. Finally, do not stand your grounds, too much to loose, life is more than just pieces of things, if it comes at you, move. The police would say: if it runs, shoot, if it shoots, run.

I do not carry guns and I cannot immagine myself at the court trying to explain why I shooted someone, even if you have the best explanation, you might well be the one that goes to jail.