I don't want to get political or anything, but I will say this: The s--- that happens is directly proportional to the weapons possessed by the public. I offer three examples behind my logic:
1. In England, yes there is gun crime, but mainly, it's knife crime. And it's pretty serious. Lots of people get killed or seriously hurt every year. In England, guns are very very expensive and used only by serious criminals. It's automatic prison if found with one. It's been necessary to pass drastic laws against possessing a bladed article.
2, In the USA, where I have lived, I was alarmed by the easy availability of firearms. I visited a large pawn shop in Laredo wondering if they might have a shotgun suitable for shooting clay pigeon. No, the guy said. This is what you need... he offered me a Chinese SKS semi-automatic carbine, for $150 "Hardly used, and I'll throw in a free mag of ammo." That's a serious assault rifle. He could have had no idea if I was going to buy it and go out and slaughter people.
3. Dubai. Or, various Arab countries in general. I was offered all sorts. Anything from Brown Bess muskets and Martini-Henrys through Lee Enfield 303's to grenades and assault weapons. But bombs are their thing. After a while you unconsciously check for emergency exits and become hyper aware of packages.
Maybe I should rate the 33 countries I've lived in for personal safety! But that would be too difficult. How would I rate the Gambia? For 8 months things were fine. I left, and two weeks later there was a coup and 7 of my friends were murdered. Impossible... I seem to be very high this evening. I don't normally write s'¿¿' like this.