Huh - that’s pretty much the opposite of the New York method, which is walk fast, look forward, and never make eye contact with anyone. If the street hustlers or panhandlers show up, so what? You don’t see them, you can’t hear them. They don’t exist.
Besides that, I’ve found that the best way to avoid crime is not to associate with criminals. Don’t work with them, don’t hang out with them, don’t befriend them, and for God’s sake, never owe them anything. Just don’t show up on their radar. If they do, sooner or later they’ll mark you as a target.
I acknowledge the fact that not everyone has this luxury.