Here at South Boston Online, we were listening with one ear to radio reports about the investigation into the tragic and horrifying death of Imette St. Guillen.  We knew we had to write an editorial about it, but we grappled with what to say.

     We can’t add much to what has been said.  Too many opinions have already been put forth.  Some suggest that Ms. St. Guillen should not have been where she was late at night.  That’s nonsense, of course.  Some point out that she was a mature, well-educated person entitled to make her own choices.  That is true, but it doesn’t mean that hideous things can’t happen to such people.

When we talked it over, we asked each other if things are worse now than they used to be.  Nationwide, crime has dropped since 25 or 30 years ago.  Despite the “spike” in 2005 and so far in 2006, the historic murder rate in Boston has dropped over the last few decades.  Even so, we came to the conclusion that in many respects, things are worse, even though we could be accused of gold-plating the “good ol’ days”.  And, we felt we should speak up about it.

     So, what is actually worse?  The incidence of highly vicious crimes is worse than it used to be, in our opinion.  Ms. St. Guillen’s fate is but one occurrence.  In February, Jeffrey Mailhot confessed to serial killings and dismemberments in Rhode Island.  Jeffrey Daumer and Son of Sam come to mind.  Molly Bish hasn’t been forgotten. 

     It’s not just women.  Two young people in Florida have been apprehended for supposedly beating homeless men with baseball bats.  On Monday morning, we were greeted with a story in the Globe, as well as radio newscasts, concerning a homeless man set afire by two courageous young thugs (sarcasm intended).

     The most vulnerable among us – the elderly and young children – are no longer exempt from violence.  You have heard of the 84-year-old woman who was beaten to death with a frying pan, perhaps for an inheritance.  Everyone knows the meaning of the word “pedophilia” these days.  For both the young and the old, it’s bad out there.

     And make no mistake – we have our own victims in South Boston.

     We don’t have to repeat what you have already seen in the newspaper.  The numbers may have improved, but the nature of the crimes we see has become increasingly sickening.  What has happened?

     Although there may be many causes, we can point out three reasons.  First, increased gang activity (why violent gangs can’t be prosecuted under RICO statutes is beyond us); second, more “crazies” (and we make no apology for using that term); and third, the Internet.  The Internet allows victims to be found more easily, and as a result, the “crazies” come out from under their rocks more frequently.

     Some remedies are simple.  Don’t put personal information on the Internet.  Period.  Wait until the ‘net is completely refigured – something that’s urgently needed.  Stay with a group late at night.  That limits your freedom, of course, but the alternative may be worse.   And prepare yourself.

    South Boston’s Crime Watch is nearing completion.  It has already offered self-defense courses to women.  Andrea Muccini, the founder of Ultimate Self-Defense, will soon offer her own self-protection instruction.  Take part.  These are for you.  Keep your guard up and improve your odds.