Grand larceny and robbery have pushed crime stats up in our precinct. Churches, supermarkets, and gas stations have been the scenes of crime. Sadly, a purse left in a pew is just as likely to be targeted by a thief as a purse hanging on a chair in a bar. So, too, is property in an unlocked car while you are pumping gas.
Up close and personal crime
A two-person crew is taking advantage of distracted shoppers. Whole Foods and Associated have both been targeted. Ladies, keep your purse on your shoulder or in hand, not in that convenient child seat on the cart. One member of the twosome distracts you – unless you have distracted yourself by turning your back on your cart as you search for the right cereal. The other person grabs or pilfers your purse.
Residential burglary
Also on the rise, grand larceny from residents. No forced entry so police are thinking the culprit(s) may be in the employ of the residents or have access. Do not give your key to the dog walker, the house cleaner, the plumber. Before you know it, you’ll have four to six keys out in the world, out of your control. And leave yourself open to the next item on the agenda … if you have unlocked files or papers lying around.
ID Theft
Identity theft is also on the rise. The Police Department has a whole page dedicated to preventing ID theft. Some quick tips include:
Justifiable Pride
The precinct made five arrests in the 28 days preceding the meeting. Included in the count was the arrest of a man who was out of prison for one day (had served 10 years for rape) before he perpetrated two robberies and impersonated a police officer to tourists.
Extra Help from Police
The Crime Prevention office will happily engrave your bicycle with a serial number that can aid in recovery if stolen. The service is free, your place or theirs. Also available, a free apartment survey for safety, also by Crime Prevention. Call (212) 678-1850
Up close and personal crime
A two-person crew is taking advantage of distracted shoppers. Whole Foods and Associated have both been targeted. Ladies, keep your purse on your shoulder or in hand, not in that convenient child seat on the cart. One member of the twosome distracts you – unless you have distracted yourself by turning your back on your cart as you search for the right cereal. The other person grabs or pilfers your purse.
Residential burglary
Also on the rise, grand larceny from residents. No forced entry so police are thinking the culprit(s) may be in the employ of the residents or have access. Do not give your key to the dog walker, the house cleaner, the plumber. Before you know it, you’ll have four to six keys out in the world, out of your control. And leave yourself open to the next item on the agenda … if you have unlocked files or papers lying around.
ID Theft
Identity theft is also on the rise. The Police Department has a whole page dedicated to preventing ID theft. Some quick tips include:
- Never carry your Social Security card.
- Never give personal or bank account information to someone who calls you, no matter who they say they are.
- Monitor your credit report and your credit card statements.
- Keep a copy of all credit card numbers so you can cancel your cards if stolen or misused.
Justifiable Pride
The precinct made five arrests in the 28 days preceding the meeting. Included in the count was the arrest of a man who was out of prison for one day (had served 10 years for rape) before he perpetrated two robberies and impersonated a police officer to tourists.
Extra Help from Police
The Crime Prevention office will happily engrave your bicycle with a serial number that can aid in recovery if stolen. The service is free, your place or theirs. Also available, a free apartment survey for safety, also by Crime Prevention. Call (212) 678-1850
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