Walking alone at night[crack alley!!]

So I am currently staying in a bit of a dodgy area, and the local university says be careful walking alone at night etc.

But this evening I had massive cravings for chocolate and decided to brave it and go to the local shop, only about a 5 minute walk away. However next to my house is an alley which had become named 'crack alley' (for obvious reasons) which I had to walk down to get to the shop.

It was only 7.30pm when I went so I figured it'd be ok, even though it was dark.
So off I went through crack alley, then out onto this other street where a car pulled up near to me and slowed down and then drove alongside me as I was walking. It then pulled up next to me, but I sped up and got to the shop, feeling a bit worried.

As I came out of the shop the car was pulled up outside - but I quickly walked out onto the other road to go home then out of nowhere the guy from the car was walking up to me and said 'Hi'. I just looked at him and started walking away. Then he shouted out 'hi' again so I turned around and said ' What?'.

He started walking up to me. He had his hand in his pockets and I started thinking oh my god he's got a gun or a knife and he's going to rob/rape/murder me. (Yeh I’m paranoid, but it was dark and rainy and scary!) So I backed off thinking 'why the fuck is no one around?' I considered running back to the shop, but thought I may be over reacting. As he got closer he said 'What’s your name, do you live around here? Haven't I seen you in the supermarket?' I said 'no' and started walking away.
Then he shouted' wait' and I said' Go away, please' (I said please haha). I started waking away at speed. He shouted a couple more times but I ignored him, then as I neared crack alley I turned and he was gone so I legged it down crack alley and back to my house.

Did I overeact?? Maybe he was just friendly? I don't know but I am extremely paranoid and presume everyone is an axe murderer.

Well at least I got my chocolate and twas very tasty.

 

I don't think you overreacted if you were hit on at "crack alley".

Being a little paranoid every once in a while might save your life one sunny day.

 

This is why I carry a tire iron in my sock when I walk throgh crack alley.

You know, in case some random crackhead has a flat tire.

 

Yes indeedy, being paranoid is a useful tool.

 

no normal person would follow you in their car and wait for you then come up and talk to you.

sounds like he was looking for some paid sex

 

Well I don't look anything like a prostitute incase thats what you're implying, so I doubt he was thinking that.

 

Just what does a prostitute look like? They have a uniform?

... I seriously doubt that was what she was implying. She has a good point.

 

guess if i would be in you'r situation i would be paranoind alot to..so be careful
around that 'crack alley'