Tell people you'll meet them at a local diner or the steps of city hall. Let them tell you when. Leave your purse at home but keep your i.d. in your pocket. Don't give money to anyone up front. When they tell you they need money to get your stuff back freom the guy that has it, don't believe it. Even if it's true, you'll never see the money or the stuff. Tell them to bring the stuff and you'll pay then. Only then. Don't be talked into following anyone to an unsafe area but do be willing to do what you can SAFELY do to show them that you're not setting them up. Be honest and straight forward. If you want to take someone else with you, do so but don't make it look threatening.
If there is a phone number at work or some kind of neutral place you might give that out. I don't dare tell you to give out your home number. You might have to make several trips to the area.
I hope this works out.
Post again and let us know what's happening, okay?
Now, go give yourself a big smile and be happy that you're not the guy(or girl) in the street.
:-)