MtheGM, are you still reading this thread? Let's hear from you.

Thinking it over, it looks to me like the media have told you just enough to make you fearful and angry, but not told you anything you need to know to protect yourself.

This escapee, what was he wearing? For example, in America, he would probably be wearing an orange jumpsuit, and he wouldn't get very far.

What does he look like? Is he tall, short, fat, skinny, white, non-white, blonde, bald, have tattoos? What strange men should you be wary of?

Is he a skilled criminal? Can he steal a car, rob a bank? Or does he have a room-temperature IQ? Guys like that tend to get picked up in a day or so.

See what I mean about the media? They told you just enough to make you feel angry and powerless.

What can you do?

Be alert.
Notice who's around you. Listen for footsteps.
Don't go for walks in isolated places.
Don't show money.
If you go shopping, park close to the door.
When you walk to your car, check your environment first.
Wear sensible clothes, not high heels and tight skirt. (joking!)

That's not everything, but you get the idea, I trust.