I tend to discount that, cos it's the local paper, & they often get a little excessively aerated about such things. I mean, if I paid attention to the Southwark Whateveritis or the South London Press, I would be under the impression that the whole of Bermondsey was one big crack den. This appears from wandering around it not to be the case (though I don't deny that there's the odd one about; it's a city, after all).

I share the feeling that I'm not going to let fear of the Bad Stuff disrupt my life. Although equally there's an issue of sensible precautions - if I'm roaring drunk then I'm probably better off having company to mind me (because I'm a lot more vulnerable); I won't have my headphones on late at night; that sort of thing.

I'm now wondering where walking across Hyde Park late at night on my own fits into this; I've done it, & I suddenly got very nervous halfway across (it having not even occurred to me to be worried before then). I suspect this is probably irrational fear & should be ignored. Not that it's really relevant now I don't live in Paddington, & I happily walk across Southwark Park late at night.