A change of scenery for the 104 Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol’s (104COP) General Membership Meeting allowed for an intimate discussion of upcoming events and public safety issues on Thursday, March 9.
Roughly a dozen members gathered inside of the Sacred Heart Church on 78th Avenue in Glendale, where they welcomed PO Candelaria and PO Sheehan, neighborhood coordination officers in the 104th Precinct’s Sector David.
“In Middle Village, at least what we’ve seen in the past 28-day period compared to last year, we’ve seen an increase in residential burglaries,” said Candelaria. “Most of those entries have been from the rear of the location. Some people have left their back door unlocked and some doors were forced open.”
A majority of home burglaries are targeted acts and often come from the perpetrator knowing the victim possessed a large amount of money or made an expensive purchase recently, the officers said. Practicing restraint when posting on social media was one of the ways officers suggested people safeguard their belongings and prevent becoming a victim.
An increase in commercial vehicles being stolen and burglarized was another problematic condition officers noted for the general Glendale, Middle Village, and Maspeth neighborhoods. The consistency in vehicle related crimes also spans to the theft of catalytic converters.
“I know sometimes, it’s very hard to call the police and get them there before the guys leave, because they’re just so organized and fast. So if you can take any information down, the make of the car helps. Even something as small as the color of the license plate,” Candelaria added.
104COP President Elizabeth Delacruz continued the meeting with key insights into safety issues for the area, including an uptick in grand larcenies related to the theft and mishandling of mail.
Delacruz also noted a series of community events the organization looks to attend as both volunteer and recruiting opportunities. 104COP expects to plan early to aid in the (RGMVM) Ridgewood Glendale Middle Village Maspeth Little League Parade this year on Saturday, April 1.
The Juniper Park Civic Association will hold a town meeting inside Our Lady Of Hope School on Eliot Avenue and 71st Street, Thursday, March 16. Guests could speak to elected officials, learn about safety in the 104th Precinct and discuss the latest Hochul/Adams housing plan.
An FDNY vs. NYPD Basketball Game between Engine 286/Ladder 135 and the 104th Precinct is expected to take place on Friday, April 28, inside the Martin Luther King High School on 60-02 Maspeth Ave., where 104COP will be in attendance.
The next 104COP meeting will be held at its usual site, inside Christ The King High School on 68-02 Metropolitan Ave.
