By Bill Parry
Aggressive police work is paying off in the 108th Precinct, according to its commanding officer.
Burglaries in Sunnyside, Woodside and Long Island City are down 44 percent in the current calendar year.
“I attribute this to our all hands on deck approach to this crime,” Capt. John Travaglia said. “Our patrol officers who are in uniform and plainclothes, detectives, evidence collection teams, field intelligence officers, crime prevention officers and community affairs officers are relentless in regards to this crime. They track burglary recidivists, investigate past crimes aggressively, canvassing and re-canvassing for evidence, educating the community and monitoring local pawn shops for suspicious activity.
He said in the 28 days prior to May 1, burglaries were down 37 percent when compared to the same time period in 2015.
“Our success is in no doubt from relentless follow up and constant monitoring,” Travaglia said. “Burglary is no doubt one of the toughest crimes to combat and a historical problem at the 108th Precinct. It is one of our highest priorities.
The 108th Precinct has confiscated five motorcycles as part of the NYPD’s citywide crackdown on illegal dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles. Commissioner William Bratton said 500 of the seized vehicles will be destroyed publicly in a week or two. The date and location have yet to be determined.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
