In societies like these, street thugs never just existed on their own. It was stupid to think that nobody in the outskirts had the power to deal with them, especially since most of them were just 2nd class dragons.
If Melania wanted to, she alone could clear up the streets and let people walk freely.
However, she couldn't. Not because of them, but because of those they followed.
Sometimes, small gangs would act recklessly because they were young and ignorant, but for the most part, these thugs submitted themselves to stronger powers for the sake of survival.
They got themselves backing, so that when the situation came where they needed it, they could escape unscathed.
There were two main gangs in Arragon. They opposed each other but banded together against anyone trying to encroach on their territory.