I'm gonna be honest here; I almost don't bother with the main city. To stop crime there would be like trying to fit a whale onto a moped without crushing it; not gonna happen. The first two days, nobody was an admin, but we worked out our strategy: get the forget outta city #1 and go so somewhere far away. It works out nicely: I live near friends, rich people, large lots, and the only killing going on is when some poor fool wanders over and I kill him before he has a chance to shoot my boys.
Best way out is to use meatshields and climb the rooftops. Height is an advantage in every way. Run to city #2 or #3 and just wander about. Save up cash, become a cop and join the good fight (I applaud those of you who do so, just try not to get your blood stains all over my turismo convertible.)