By Howard Koplowitz
With the 106th Precinct battling a surge in property crimes and the prospect of a convention center at Aqueduct Racetrack, state Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) wants the precinct to be assigned more officers.
Addabbo wrote to Police Commissioner Ray Kelly earlier this month, asking for more police protection in the area, which covers South Ozone Park, Ozone Park, Lindenwood and Howard Beach.
“I make this request with three issues in mind: the addition of over 100,000 people a week visiting the Resorts World racino at Aqueduct Racetrack, the proposed convention center at the same location and the recent rise in crime in the area,” the senator said. “The men and women of the 106th Precinct are doing an outstanding job with limited resources and I believe we are in dire need of additional officers at this time.”
During a 28-day period that ended Feb. 12, the 106th has seen an increase in four of the seven major crimes, including three types of property crimes.
Grand larcenies in the precinct were up about 62 percent, with 34 grand larcenies reported in the 106th during the period compared to 21 during the same 28-day span last year, according to police statistics.
Burglaries were up 64 percent, with 41 committed in the 28-day period compared to 21 in the same 2011. Robberies have increased about 47 percent, from 15 in 2011 to 22 in 2012. Felony assaults have risen by about 33 percent, from 12 in 2011 to 16 in the 28-day period this year.
The construction of a $4 billion convention center, which would be the largest of its kind in the country, is one of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s top priorities.
The cost of building the center would be paid for by Genting, the parent company of Resorts World.
Resorts World opened to great fanfare in November and about 100,000 people patronize the casino each week.
