But Overall Crime Down For Yr., Says Commander
During the 83rd Precinct community council meeting last Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Bushwick stationhouse, the commanding officer told attendees that crime in the neighborhood has dropped in the last year, though residential burglaries continue to be a problem.
Recently promoted from captain, Deputy Inspector Max Tolentino addressed crime issues in Bushwick and spoke on the tragic death of 3-year-old Jeida Tores as well.
He first spoke on crime statistics in the last four weeks. “Right now the 83rd Precinct is in a very good place when it comes to overall crime reduction,” he said.
There were 150 crimes in the most recent 28-day period, compared to 173 last year, an 11.6 percent reduction, according to the deputy inspector.
Though break-ins continue to plague Bushwick, Tolentino said: “We had the first glimpse of burglaries actually decreasing a little.”
He advised residents to safeguard their homes to lessen their vulnerability to a break-in.
“A lot of these burglaries are attributed to windows being left open. There is a lot of forced entry, there is a lot taking place in residential buildings,” he said.
“I can’t encourage you enough, you’ve got to prepare your place–your sanctuary–to protect it from outside people,” Tolentino said. “Protect your windows, you’ve got to protect your doors. There’s all sorts of safety tips out here that you should be looking at.”
Though break-ins continue, overall crime is down in Bushwick, according to the deputy inspector.
“But I’m very happy with the precinct right now … a 4.8 percent reduction for the year, that’s very good. That’s less people being victimized,” he stated.
He also addressed how commanding officers are continuing to combat crime with a limited amount of NYPD resources.
“Whatever resources we have, we are moving them around to address the concerns and the issues that you raise,” he noted.
Tolentino said increased traffic enforcement targeting DWI, drivers with suspended licenses and drivers that break the new city-wide 25 mph speed limit will become a priority
“The department right now is in Vision Zero mode,” Tolentino stated.
Capt. Ron Zedalis, the precinct’s executive officer, will be in charge of these efforts, he said.
“Going forward, it hasn’t happened yet, but going forward we are going to start addressing the speeding down sidestreets. We all have to drive 25 mph,” he added.
A tragic end
Tolentino also addressed the death of Jeida Torres–a threeyear old girl that died–allegedly at the hands of her stepfather who was living in a Bushwick homeless shelter.
“It’s a loss to this community, it’s a loss for all of us,” he said.
The deputy inspector stated he was touched by how the neighborhood reacted to the death, and that he was impressed by the outpouring of support the family received from the Bushwick community.
“This family could not have been supported more strongly and with better compassion,” he said.
“That’s a sign of a healthy community. It sends a clear message that Bushwick is one community that incorporates everybody,” he added.
Tolentino also praised Det. Damarys Franco of the Community Affairs Unit for her work with the family during a difficult time.
Tolentino promoted
As noted, Tolentino was recently promoted to deputy inspector during a ceremony in Manhattan that several Bushwick community members attended.
“I want to thank everybody here: The community council, as well as Community Board 4, as well as the clergy who went out and supported me on the day of my promotion,” Tolentino said.
“It’s a very sweet moment for me,” he added. “I am glad that it happened at the 83rd Precinct.”
“My family said, ‘what the heck did you do that these people like you so much.’ I felt so welcomed here that’s it’s incredible. I am very fortunate to be here,” he noted.
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The 83rd Precinct Community Council generally meets on the third Tuesday of the month at the 83rd Precinct, 480 Knickerbocker Ave. in Bushwick. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.
