By Stephen Stirling
During an interview in his office with TimesLedger last week, 109th Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector Matthew Wheelan was quick to praise his officers for the steep reductions in auto theft, larceny and robbery – each of which dropped by more than 10 percent from 2006 to 2007. The change in auto thefts was the most dramatic – 34 percent – putting an exclamation point on the precinct's effort to reduce car theft in the area over the past two decades. In 1990, more than 4,800 auto-theft reports were reported in the region, placing the 109th Precinct in the top five in the city for the felony. As of the end of 2007, auto theft had fallen to just over 400, according to criminal statistics. Wheelan said focusing on trends and patterns from past crimes was key to the reduction. He said unlicensed tow truck drivers stealing cars was one of the largest problems when he came aboard in November 2006 because residents often would not think it was out of the ordinary to see someone towing a car. “Most people just think the car broke down or is illegally parked. They're not breaking any windows, they're not making any noise and they can be out of there quickly,” Wheelan said. He added: “Well, we don't see many tow trucks driving around the 109th these days.” Wheelan said although the progress made in 2007 was substantial and should be commended, the Precinct needs to focus on where they can improve in the coming year. Felony assaults and burglaries were both on the rise in 2007. “Those are the two things we're looking to crack down on the most,” he said. The 109th Precinct covers Flushing, Whitestone, College Point, Malba, Beechhurst, Broadway, Auburndale and parts of Bay Terrace. Wheelan said understanding the root of the problems is key to overcoming them. He said many of the assaults that occurred in the precinct occurred at bars and his officers will be working with the State Liquor Authority to take a closer look at why this is happening, and issue citations and make arrests where necessary. Turning to burglaries, which have been a problem for many Precincts in Queens recently, he said sharing information is crucial to getting a grasp on patterns and locations being targeted. “We try and analyze where they're occurring. We look at the people who are doing it and have done it,” he said. “I have a good number of burglars that live in the 109th, but there's also a good number from other places. If I make a burglary arrest, I'm pretty sure that's going to help someone else.”Wheelan also stressed the importance of community vigilance in preventing crimes, burglaries in particular. “You know who belongs on your block and who doesn't,” he said. “If something doesn't look right, call 911. Don't hesitate. With regards to burglaries that's where we need some of the most help from the community.” Wheelan also said anyone who wishes to voice his or her concerns either publicly or privately, can do so at the precinct's monthly community council meetings, which take place on the second Wednesday of every month at 8 p.m. at 37-05 Union St. in Flushing. Reach reporter Stephen Stirling by e-mail at Sstirling@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.
