Construction site thefts increasing

According to crime prevention officer Anthony LoVerme at the 109th Precinct, burglars have been targeting new construction site properties in Whitestone, College Point, Bayside and Flushing. An investigation into the robberies suggests that the crimes are taking place late at night and that the perpetrators are working in a team.
“All construction site contractors should know to secure their items and keep them locked up,” said LoVerme. “Neighbors should call 9-1-1 if they see suspicious trucks or persons in the area.”
Two robberies took place on December 6, one at a site at 16th Avenue and 116th Street in Flushing and another at 154th Street and 20th Road near Bowne Park. The perpetrators have been stealing appliances, refrigerators, doors and tools.
The 109th Precinct would also like to recommend wheel locks and the arming of car alarms against burglars who have been targeting rims and tires on parked cars, especially Acura TLs, Nissan Maximas, Honda Accords and Infiniti models.
Captain Ron Leyson, who addressed a recent 111th Precinct Community Council meeting, echoed the 109th Precinct’s warning against burglaries, the only major crime category that saw an increase in the 111th Precinct over the past year. Leyson has recommended that personal items like iPods, GPS units and laptop computers should not be left in cars as they invite a greater risk of burglary.
For information regarding community affairs in the 109th Precinct, call 718-321-2268. If you are a witness/victim of a crime or wish to report suspicious activity, call 9-1-1.