Public Safety Update: Notes from the 70th Precinct Community Council Meeting

April 29, 2013

Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs is pleased to offer community members a synopsis of Inspector Eric Rodriguez’s report to the community at last week’s monthly 70th Precinct Community Council Meeting. Local residents who are concerned about neighborhood safety are encouraged to attend future meetings. The next 70th Precinct Community Council meeting is scheduled for May 29th, 2013 at 7:30 p.m., and will take place at the United Cerebral Palsy Auditorium (175 Lawrence Avenue between Ocean Parkway and Seton Place).

PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS & RECENT INCIDENTS:

• Although crime is down overall within the 70th Precinct, there has been a 15% increase in burglaries from last year, particularly commercial burglaries in the Cortelyou Road area; equipment from business-owned vehicles is a major target.
• As the weather gets warmer, burglaries are increasing due to people leaving their windows open – particularly in the Nottingham Residential area.
• There has been an increase in gang violence around Woodruff Avenue.
• The recent Avenue H bomb scare turned out to be a suitcase left on a newsstand; it was responded to by the Bomb Squad and handled properly.
• There are numerous scam operations targeting vulnerable groups, including:
  • The Blessing Con Game – senior citizens are being targeted by people pretending to be clergy members soliciting them for monetary donations in exchange for a blessing – or a curse, if they do not donate.
  • Lotto Scam – particularly common in the Haitian and immigrant community, this scam is carried out by people promising to give someone a winning lottery ticket worth millions of dollars in exchange for a few thousand dollars.
  • Police Imitation – scam artists have been using known police personnel names, such as former Captain Harris and Inspector Rodriguez – to convince members of the public to wire money to an individual if they do not want to be arrested.

TIPS:

• Many outdoor events and parades are planned for the spring and summer months; people in attendance must be extra careful with their purses and other personal property.
• People are encouraged to report the sale and use of fireworks, which is dangerous and illegal, and is expected to increase as July 4th draws nearer.
• As terrorism continues to pose a real threat to New York City, people must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
• People who ride motorcycles and bicycles must obey same traffic laws as everyone else. Bicycles have been hitting the elderly and have not been properly outfitted with reflectors.
• Stolen property purchased by Pawn Shops and resold to consumers is a crime for both seller and buyer.

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