Only been in Penge since Feb, but haven't felt intimidated or seen any gang activity so far. And when I first set foot in a pub (which did look a but shady), I ended up having a really nice chat with a couple of people. I don't know if that's partly because I was basically brought up in working class pub culture or what, but I like it. High street is a bit scruffy, but have never felt remotely unsafe.