Detroit police chief James Craig calls on people to have guns and fight back

Detroit police chief James Craig has repeatedly called on "good" and "law-abiding" Detroiters to arm themselves against the criminals of the city.

His words have not fallen on deaf ears.

Patricia Champion, 63, a lifelong Detroiter, a grandmother and retired teacher, decided to get her concealed-pistol licence two years ago after her son said he was increasingly worried for her safety. Champion, a resident of northwest Detroit, mostly keeps her gun, a Glock 19 that cost US$600, in her house.

"That's why I got it, because I'm going to be in the house. Now, if somebody chooses to come in and I didn't invite you, between the Glock and the dog, you're gone. If one doesn't get you, the other one will."

Champion's fears of facing a threat in her home are not ill-founded. Besides having the worst homicide rate among large American cities, Detroit experienced 12,935 burglaries last year. With around 250,000 households, that means Detroiters have roughly a one in 20 chance of being burgled.

Wayne County, which includes Detroit and its suburbs, had issued 83,950 concealed-pistol permits at the end of July, meaning one permit for every 21 households.

The city, officially bankrupt, has 2,300 police officers but still not enough. Many residents feel they have to rely on themselves for their security.