Yes ... situational awareness and CCW would be helpful. Large group of kids gathering or moving toward you should set off some warning bells, especially at night. I would suspect most of these happen at night, which should automatically raise situational awareness.
In AZ, we can display or show a weapon if we feel threatened and this would most likely keep them away from you before they got too close. These groups are cowards and any sign of the ability to fight back will have them choosing another victim.
I feel bad for the victims.
