I use that alley regularly, on my own, and often in the dark (which as stated upthread now starts about 4.30pm).

That advice from the SNT is really poor. Why even highlight it was a "lone female" who was attacked? She is a person, her gender is irrelevant.

Most people, especially I am sure "lone females", don't choose to walk down alleys at night - we just need to get to where we need to go!