Some Lynners unfazed by crime stats

LYNN – Hold on a second, said local residents who think Lynn’s high ranking in a recent crime study doesn’t tell the whole story.Speaking outside the Essex Street 7-11 Tuesday, three blocks from the site of a Halloween gang shooting, Ron Eveleth said he has felt safe in the city since moving from Salem to live with a relative.He said Lynn’s crime rate – it ranked third in the state behind Boston and Springfield in CQ Press’ review of 385 cities across the country – has to be weighed against its demographics.”It’s a major city that is congested,” Eveleth said.Ron Almeda feels fairly safe walking around the city. He said the key to local crime prevention is police and residents working together.”People need to look after one another. It’s about the cooperation of everyone,” he said.There have been six murders locally this year, one more than in 2007, including the murder of Tony Pich on a Fayette Street porch. Police are investigating youth gang links to the killing and have charged a local man with the killing.Jalil Parker said school safety is the key to citywide safety and he thinks youth gangs and drug use should be the target of police and school efforts.Almeda and Karen Mendez said a large number of local crimes happen to people who look for trouble through gang involvement or drug activity.”I stick to myself,” Mendez said.Police reacted to CQ statistics published Monday by underscoring their efforts to keep kids out of gangs by steering them to productive activities, including summer jobs.A summit discussion held Monday night on ways to improve the city included suggestions for providing young people jobs during the after school hours between 3:30-6:30 p.m. on weekdays.English High School students Jessica Hernandez and Alma Dizdarevic credited English Principal Andrew Fila with working to keep the school safe this year.Schools like Marshall Middle boosted security this year by installing cameras and taking other safety measures.Police urge residents during the holiday season to increase their vigilance by making sure their home and vehicles are secure and by keeping an eye on valuables, wallets and purses when they shop.