Sept. 12, 2011 Staff Report
Violent crime in the Sunnyside/Woodside & LIC precinct has declined so far this year, according to the latest police statistics.
There have been no murders in Police Precinct 108 for the year through Sept. 4, compared to two for the same period in 2010. Meanwhile, there have been six reported rapes for the year to date, compared to 11 this time one year ago. In all these rape cases, the victim knew the perpetrator prior to the alleged rape.
Robberies have dropped to 101 for the year through Sept. 4, down from 130 for the same period in 2010. Felony assaults have fallen to 73, from 88 this time last year.
“However, the news this year is a mixture of good and bad,” said Captain Neil Walsh, executive officer of police precinct 108, at the United 40s Civic Association meeting on Thursday. “While violent crime is down, property-related crime is up.”
The number of reported burglaries has risen to 185, up from 163 burglaries for the same period in 2010. Walsh suggested that tenants urge their landlords to get a working video system installed and for owners to get new locks, since they are much harder to pick.
He said burglaries were occurring throughout the precinct; however, he said, many continue to occur between 40th and 50th Streets in Sunnyside and Woodside.
The number of reported grand larcenies has risen to 336 so far this year, up from 303 for the same period last year. The increase is partially attributable to an increase in identity theft, which is difficult for residents/consumers to guard against.
Grand Larceny Autos are largely flat, with 130 this year compared to 128 last year.
In terms of items such as ensuring civility at area parks (namely, Lou Lodati Park and Thomas P Noonan Park), the police said that there was little they could do.
“Our first priority is not the park, it’s to fighting crime…but if we are there we will take a look,” said Detective Juan Toro.
“The Parks [depart] have first jurisdiction.”
