Sanders, cops meet with community on robbery pattern

Police came to a community meeting along Merrick Boulevard in Laurelton with some good news. They told the audience they have caught four men they believe are responsible for the string of robberies along the popular shopping street.
Despite the good news, however, many in attendance were still upset that the robberies ever occurred.
Despite the good news, however, many in attendance were still upset that the robberies ever occurred.
About a dozen business owners attended the meeting and discussed the thefts with Sanders and members of the 105th Precinct.
Councilmember James Sanders Jr., who hosted the event, took time at the meeting to say he was upset to learn about the string of robberies so late.
A spokesperson for the 105th Precinct said he called the councilmember’s office to let them know of the individual robberies, but that all trends are identified at One Police Plaza.
Neither Sanders nor the police could say when they saw a pattern of robberies develop.
“[Both] may have prevented some of the robberies,” Sanders said. “If the dots were connected.”
Sanders said he will speak to his staff members and inform them of what to do when the police call with robbery information.
“I try never to make the same mistake twice,” he said.
Jovoda Cooper, Community Affairs officer from the 105th Precinct, said the robbery prevention program was still in place. She also wanted to reassure merchants that the police are helping to protect their stores.
Cooper reminded local business owners to make sure the surveillance systems are operational and the cameras are producing clear images. She also said they should remove clutter from the windows and to make sure they have a silent alarm.
When Sanders asked the owners how many of them had such alarms, none raised his hand to signify he had one. Sanders told the group he would then look into getting grant money so the owners could purchase the devices.
Tony Berkel, Executive Director of the Local Development Corporation (LDC) of Laurelton, said his organization was trying to raise funds to hire private security on Merrick Boulevard to supplement the police.
However, he admitted getting that help was a few years away.
Police representatives told residents to get involved with block watching programs and community patrols in the interim.
“Anything in a uniform deters crime,” said Mathew DiPietro, an officer of the 105th Precinct.
Sanders said he wants to hold another meeting within the next few weeks to continue to discuss the robberies and ways business and homeowners can stay safe.