Fear is a very powerful motivator. Even if the chances of being the victim of a crime are small, the mere possibility is enough to put some people off. Stories

Fear is a very powerful motivator. Even if the chances of being the victim of a crime are small, the mere possibility is enough to put some people off. Stories of wonderful encounters with strangers will do nothing to counteract that. Comparing it to being exposed to strangers just by living in a city doesn't work either. If you come upon a stranger that makes you nervous on the street, you can cross the street or walk past quickly. If you're stuck next to them on the subway you're going to feel threatened for the length of the trip.