NYPD: 'Burglaries have stopped', and some tips,

The Flatbush Development Corporation's Robin Redmond emails (via Bob Pandolfo) a summary of the discussion of the recent burglaries at the May 5th Neighborhood Association President’s meeting at FDC:

Several officers, including the investigating undercover special ops officers, were present to update residents as well as answer questions and address concerns. From April 18, through April 26, 2010 there were five recorded burglary incidents in the immediate area. Lt. Ferber explained, “Before this sudden surge, there was very little activity.” He further stated, “Since we’ve had a suspect in custody these burglary incidents have stopped.” On April 26, 2010 the police arrested a suspect who is being charged with two of the five incidents and they think he is responsible for the other three as well. The suspect in custody is a juvenile, and the police say he might have been working with a partner. The special ops team is working hard to apprehend his partner.

The NYPD has a tag line, if you see something, say something. “The suspect was witnessed on the scene by a workman who called 911 and reported suspicious activity. The workman was later able to make a positive ID,” explained Officer McMullen. The officers reminded the presidents that the neighborhood blogs are a great resource [ed-!!!!!], but request that people not just blog about suspicious activity, that they also call 911 to report it as well. Sgt. Kraemer explained that the various neighborhood association private security have been great to work with and are a big help, too. Another recommendation was to contact your beat officer directly. We were reminded that at the 70th, a little information can go a long way.

Officer McGuiness wanted to invite residents to take advantage of the 70th Precinct’s Security Survey free of charge to neighborhood residents and businesses. One of the Crime Prevention Officers will come out to your home and conduct a security survey to help you to better protect your home. The survey is a written security appraisal of your home or business which includes recommendations on how to enhance your security. This survey includes both internal and external environments. For more information or to schedule an appointment call (718) 851-5504.

In the meantime, remember to keep your windows and doors locked. If someone rings your bell and once you answer tells you they have the wrong address, call 911. They are probably ringing bells and knocking on doors until they get to the one where nobody answers, and then they can break-in. In short, if you notice suspicious activity call 911 and insist that a uniformed officer come by to check it out. If you don’t report it, the 70th precinct won’t know about it.