110th Precinct Offers Tips At Corona Meet
A slew of vehicle thefts have hit Queens hard in recent months and citizens were armed with crime prevention techniques during the the 110th Precinct Community Council Meeting last Monday, May 19, in Corona.
P.O. Robert Semler of the 110th Precinct Crime Prevention Unit warned attendees at the Flanders Field VFW Post 150 about the vehicle thefts in Queens and citywide. He provided tips on how to avoid incidents.
One of the main reasons for vehicle theft has been unlocked cars or cars left running while the driver is in a store.
“Anytime it’s parked, make sure its locked all the time,” Semler said.
He illustrated plenty of examples of drivers parking there car in front of a convenient store, leaving their vehicle unlocked and/or running while getting a newspaper or cup of coffee.
Semler explained the “bad guys” are watching and following victims’ patterns, waiting for the right moment to snag a vehicle or even just a pocketbook.
“People are hanging out, watching. Thieves are watching 7- Eleven, McDonalds; they are watching their routines and patterns,” Semler said. “Bad guys are watching us; we’re not watching them.”
Semler advised other crime prevention tactics:
– Don’t leave personal items in the car when unattended not even wires (which may be just the incentive a perpetrator needs to break in).
– Don’t leave any change or money inside a vehicle.
– Close the vehicle’s windows and the sunroof.
– Don’t park on dark streets without lights or stores.
– Don’t leave the vehicle running unattended.
Ford Econoline Vans have been reportedly stolen most in recent months, explained Deputy Inspector Ronald Leyson, the 110th Precinct commander. The vans are ideal for stealing motorcycles and the parts are interchangeable with much older and newer vans.
Leyson clarified that vehicle thefts have not been a problem for the 110th Precinct.
Crime update
Crime is down overall 11 percent and down 21 percent in vehicle thefts. Felony assaults are up 27 percent and robberies are down 7 percent, which is up slightly due to warmer weather, the commander noted.
The 110th Precinct offers free home and business crime prevention surveys. Officers will give homes, apartments or businesses a detailed analysis of points vulnerable to theft and provide solutions to fortify each location.
Turning to businesses, Leyson stated the command is cracking down on assaults, robberies and quality of life problems caused by intoxicated individuals upon leaving local establishments-and he isn’t afraid to shut down any business contributing to such problems in the area .
The commander stated he holds quarterly meetings with local business owners to train and inform them of proper tactics of dealing with over intoxicated individuals.
Leyson stated he encourages small businesses and entrepreneurship, but noted, “You have to be a good neighbor, you have to obey the rules.
Traffic violations are up as the force gave out 1,150 summons at the Broadway and Roosevelt intersection in conjunction with the 115th Precinct.
The increase in summons was during the enforcement week between May 5 and May 10 in accordance to the Mayor’s Vision Zero program, it was noted.
Other news
Dr. Scott Silver who directs the Queens Zoo gave a presentation at the meeting as a part of efforts to get the word out about the Queens Zoo, located in Flushing Meadows- Corona Park.
While many spring events have already passed-such as the annual sheep shearing and Easter Eggstravaganza, which catered to 12,000 people this year-events are plentiful this summer.
All events are kid friendly with a variety of educational youth programs, a Halloween event “Boo at the Zoo,” and camp out nights, when families can sleep in the zoo. They also cater to birthday parties and are always encouraging new ideas for events.
June 14 is a breakfast gauged towards members of local community boards which requires a reservation.
According to Silver, the Queens Zoo has the country’s largest block of thick bill parrots, totaling 24. They will also be exhibiting baby coyotes and a pudu, the world’s smallest deer. Entry for adults is $8 for adults and $5 for children.
For more information, visit www.queenszoo.com or call 1-718- 271-1500.
Shawn Slevin, the founder of the Swim Strong Foundation encouraged residents to swim.
She cited drowning as one of the leading causes of death for children under five. The organization works with children and adults, making sure they are proficient swimmers. Slevin argued that swimming is the best work out for the skeletal, muscular, pulmonary and cardiovascular systems and is the one thing humans can do from birth to death.
Classes are $15/half hour and $30/hour and scholarships are available. For more information and program locations visit www.swimstrongfoundation.org.
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The next 110th Precinct Community Council meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 16, at 7 p.m. at Flanders Field VFW Post 150, located at 51-11 108th St. in Corona. For more information, call the 110th Precinct Community Affairs Unit at 1-718- 476-9310.
