Notes from the January 70th Precinct Community Council Meeting

The 70th Precinct Community Council held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, and here are some highlights from Deputy Inspector Eric Rodriguez's presentation:

• There have been two shootings so far in 2012, both in the area of Newkirk and Flatbush. The most recent was on Tuesday on Flatbush and Ditmas, which a reader asked about--two people were injured, one the intended target and another a bystander, neither critically, and though the shooter has been identified, he hasn't been picked up yet.

• Because of that uptick in crime in that area, and because the old Impact Zone (roughly Albemarle-Parkside, E 18th-Bedford) hasn't been broken up yet, some of the 47 new rookies for the Impact Zone have been moved to the area around Newkirk/Flatbush, so you will see more of a physical presence out there.

• Unfortunately, while the meeting was in progress last night, there was another report of shots fired, this time on Tennis Ct. Thankfully no one was injured, and the shooter was arrested.

• In more positive news, the 70th got three guns off the street on New Year's Eve.

• Following several reports of home break-ins, three men were arrested while trying to break into an apartment in a building (which a few readers had mentioned). Turned out they were responsible for a string of such break-ins, and following the arrest, reports have decreased dramatically.

• As for car break-ins, DI Rodriguez repeated what he's been saying on the subject for months now: He advises we not leave anything valuable in our cars.

• Watch out for mean dogs on the loose near the LIRR tracks. They're reportedly attacking people's pets, and though the 70th is working with the 60th Precinct and the MTA, and trying to get a liaison from Animal Care & Control to help, the dogs are cagey--police almost caught one on Wednesday, but it jumped a fence and got away--so call 911 if you see one.

• If you have a problem that the 70th can help with, you're encouraged to reach out to them. Call Community Affairs at 718-851-5557. The Precinct goes over the issues every week, and they look at every one, no matter how small. And don't be surprised if you get follow-up call from the Community Affairs officers, who often check back on issues to make sure things are going well.

• We welcome Matthew Harrington to the 70th--he was recently appointed the new Executive Officer, coming from the nearby 66th Precinct.

• Finally, congratulations to Auxiliary Officer Peter Fradman, pictured above with DI Rodriguez, Officer Harrington, and Community Council President Edward Powell. He was honored this month for his 670 hours of volunteer work in a 6-month period--which is awesome, considering that Auxiliary Officers are required a minimum of 144 hours per year. Thank you for your hard work!