Nope. Having lived (briefly) in NYC I saw the impact of disarming citizens. Many were clearly afraid while on the street, especially after dark and away from crowds. The gouls had free-reign and were openly aggressive "panhandling" which is street-level "protection" and intimidation, if you will.
You have two options: arm yourself (anyway) and go where you want or give the streets over to the thugs. Your choice.