I would advocate for "no firearms" and even for their withdrawal from the good guys as well like in the UK. But unfortunately Clement, thieves out there are not as `professional` as we suppose them to be. While they're mugging you they'll take what they came for and then proceed to beat you up senseless or rape inspite of your co-operation. Now what was that for .. really. It is for that reason that I understand why some people feel the general public should be empowered to defend themselves. While we advocate for "no firearms" let us also remember that not every thug has the same sober temperament like us.