What makes you so sure they'll change their minds for the betterment of your safety? You have no idea that it might just escalate things to level you're not prepared to go to. I've been there in a similar predicament and it did backfire. If someone is already in that state of mind (to be a criminal), then you have no idea what's going on in their head.
Why? Are thieves not allowed outside the city limits to commit their crimes? You don't think that someone from "tha A" would be willing to rob you in Smyrna or Jonesboro or Duluth? Later, QD.