By Connor Adams Sheets
The crime rate in the 109th Precinct is down 21.51 percent over this time last year, but a number of distinct criminal patterns have contributed to a 9.2 percent increase in burglaries, Deputy Inspector Matthew Whelan said.
The precinct held its community council meeting at its downtown Flushing headquarters March 10, packing a room with dozens of residents, many of whom had questions about the burglaries that have hit Whitestone in recent months.
Whelan allayed some of their fears when he said many other crimes have seen significant decreases since Jan. 1, including grand larcenies, which have fallen by 42.9 percent from 147 by this point last year to 84.
“We’re nine weeks into 2010, we have one murder this year compared to two last year,” Whelan said. “We’ve gotten off to a very good start this year for 2010.”
The year’s burglary count is at 83, compared to 76 by this point last year, according to the department’s public records.
But 13 burglaries in recent months have come as part of a specific pattern targeting homes in Whitestone, Whelan said.
Police have a suspect in the crimes and are keeping him under surveillance, but Whelan said it appears he had not struck since Feb. 25.
“We’ve got a pretty good idea who we’re looking for, we’re tracking him. He hasn’t been back in the 109th,” he said. “Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks we’ll be able to catch him and put that pattern to bed.”
Crime Prevention Officer Anthony LoVerme said a citywide pattern of men dressing as utility workers and knocking on people’s doors in order to rob them has been plaguing elderly residents and he made suggestions for how best to avoid becoming a target.
“If you don’t have an appointment with the utility company, we recommend you don’t open the door,” Loverme said.
A pattern of crimes has also been centered in south Flushing, where criminals have been stealing Ford Econoline vans. Whelan said the precinct is tackling the crime by contacting owners of the popular vehicle, which is often taken and sold for parts, in order to inform them they have a van that is in high demand, Whelan said.
Overall, the crime statistics look promising for the coming year, but there are some problem areas. Although there has been only one murder, there have been five rapes as opposed to three at this point last year.
The 109th Precinct covers Flushing, Bay Terrace, College Point, Whitestone, Malba, Beechhurst, Queensboro Hill and Willets Point.
Reach reporter Connor Adams Sheets by e-mail at csheets@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
