83 Cmdr. Warns About Property Crime
Theft of unattended property continues to top the 83rd Precinct’s list of crime issues, the force’s commanding officer told residents at the 83rd Precinct Commmunity Council meeting last Tuesday, Apr. 15 at the Bushwick stationhouse.
Deputy Inspector Anthony Tasso began the monthly meeting by giving a brief update on crime in the 83rd Precinct, and though violent crimes like murder and rape are down, burglaries are on the rise.
Overall crime is up 13.5 percent in the precinct over the same period last year as of Apr. 14, it was reported.
“Things aren’t usually as bad as they look or as good also,” Tasso said. “Unless there’s zero crime, then there is still work to do.”
Tasso reminded the group that this year’s numbers, as compared to “last year we had one of the best statistical years,” can make the 2014 stats seem like a large increase. He also said the numbers need to be evaluated in context and that, “stats can say a lot of things.”
“With grand larcenies, we were at the highest ever last year, and this year we’re even higher,” he said.
Theft of unattended property is the precinct’s main crime issue, so Tasso focused on that during the meeting.
He cautioned everyone to remain aware of their surroundings, and reminded them to never leave items in a car, especially with the doors unlocked.
“I am going to continue to speak about leaving things in cars with the doors unlocked,” Tasso said.
He also reminded that these are among the most easily preventable crimes, because locking your car doors or keeping valuables on your person can virtually eliminate the possibility of theft.
Tasso spoke on unattended property stolen from public places as well. He commented that theft usually happens from stores, restaurants and bars when a person goes to the bathroom and forgets they left their coat or bag unattended.
Tasso also touched on a growing trend in the precinct, unattended property stolen from apartments, and said it’s “not a burglary when you have guests invited over.”
He told the group that roommate situations, where one or the other housemates invites people inside has been leading to items being stolen from apartments.
“We’re trying to tell people be careful with your property and be careful who you invite into your house,” Tasso said.
Cop of the Month
Police Officer Scott McMaster of the 83rd Precinct earned the Cop of the Month award, donated by the Times Newsweekly for his assistance tracking down a stolen mobile phone.
Tasso said he wants to start honoring one officer every month because “there’s such good work being done by officers at the 83rd Precinct.”
On Mar. 8, a woman had her phone stolen while she was riding the L train.
McMaster was able to locate the phone and officers found him on a bus in Brooklyn.
“He was a career felon and possessed other stolen property,” Tasso said of the suspect.
“I like to acknowledge the officers that go above and beyond,” Tasso added, noting that McMaster has “27 years with the department, and he’s still going out and making arrests. “
Traffic Safety Update
Kicy Motley, Brooklyn borough director for the Office of the Mayor community affairs unit came to the meeting to update the community on traffic safety issues and the Mayor’s Vision Zero initiative.
One Bushwick resident Martha Bayona has seen traffic issues that greatly concern her in that community.
She has two kids at P.S./I.S. 384 and says she sees reckless driving near the school regularly. Specifically, she said she sees speeding by the school and drivers running red lights.
“It gets us nervous,” she said. “People aren’t stopping when they are supposed to.”
In response Motley said the Mayor is planning on getting more red light and speeding cameras, but told the group that the city must go through the state to get them.
Elections
Brooklyn Community Board 4 District Manager Nadine Whitted informed the group new community council elections are slated for May and that an election committed has been formed.
The list is made of eligible members who have “attended four meetings” at minimum between April 2013 and March 2014, Whitted said.
In May, nominations can be taken from the floor; after that point, no more nominations can be made.
Positions up for election are president, vice president, secretary, and sergeant-at-arms.
As of press time, there are just 32 people who are eligible to run for a community council post and/or participate in the election.
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The 83rd Precinct Community Council meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the 83rd Precinct located at 480 Knickerbocker Ave. in Bushwick.
