Crime down in 106th Precinct in 2007

The first 106th Precinct Community Council meeting of the new year was held January 9 at the precinct station house.
Coming off his first year at the 106th, Commanding Officer, Captain Joseph G. Courtesis was happy to report success in 2007 in the reduction of overall crime. The number of reported crimes was down approximately 7 percent, or about 100 fewer crimes in 2007 than 2006, he said.
However, Courtesis reported, there has been an unexpected increase in burglaries — 10 in the last month — in the Howard Beach community.
He assured all in attendance that the 106th Precinct is devoting all of its available resources to the investigation of these crimes.
Officers have been distributing flyers warning homeowners to be vigilant, protect their homes and call in any suspicious activity.
Howard Beach resident Maryann Butere feels the 106th is doing a great job policing her neighborhood.
“By sending out the flyers, they want the word out,” she said. “They are not hiding it. They want people to be involved.”
Officers urge anyone with information to contact the 106th Precinct at 718-845-2211.
In other matters, Police Officer Larry Carson and Police Officer Gary Maher received recognition for their keen observation skills by being awarded Cop of The Month for December.
While on patrol in Ozone Park last month, they observed a vehicle parked haphazardly and decided to monitor the situation. Upon further observation, they saw a man inside the vehicle dumping out the contents of a cigar into the street, a type of activity normally associated with the rolling of a marijuana cigarette or “blunt.” The officers proceeded to the vehicle and when the man rolled down his window they were greeted by the odor of marijuana smoke. After being removed from the vehicle, the nervous man began touching his pocket. The officers frisked the suspect immediately and found a fully- loaded .25 caliber firearm. The man was placed under arrest and upon running a background check it was found that he had a prior arrest for weapons possession. The suspect spent the holidays in jail.
The 106th Precinct Community Council meets on the second Wednesday of the month.