By Anna Gustafson
The 107th Precinct in Fresh Meadows has changed leadership, with Capt. Michael Coyle replacing Deputy Inspector Stephen Cirabisi at the beginning of August.
Coyle has worked for the city Police Department for 21 years and most recently was the executive officer at the 103rd Precinct in Jamaica. Cirabisi transferred to the 114th Precinct in Astoria after heading up the 107th for about four years.
Coyle could not be reached for comment by deadline but was expected to be available in the near future.
The 107th Precinct serves a community of primarily one- and two-family homes in Briarwood, Fresh Meadows, Hillside, Jamaica Estates and Pomonok. There are several commercial strips in the district, including ones on Hillside Avenue, Union Turnpike, Main Street and a shopping center at 188th Street and Horace Harding Expressway.
“We’re looking forward to sitting down with him,” Community Board 8 District Manager Marie Adam-Ovide said. “We’ll probably discuss with him the robberies that have been going on.”
Residents have said robberies have been an issue, particularly in Cunningham Park, where thieves will grab pocketbooks and other goods from unlocked cars and benches.
Robberies in general have remained at the same level since last year, according to NYPD statistics. There have been 150 robberies this year, the same number as there were last year.
There have been three murders in the 107th this year, compared to two at the same time last year, according to the statistics. Other crimes, such as burglaries and grand larcenies, have declined slightly.
Reach reporter Anna Gustafson by e-mail at agustafson@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.
