Bayside, Douglaston and Little Neck saw lower crime numbers at the end of the year — but home break-ins continue to be a nuisance, according to authorities.
On Jan. 8, police officer John Erdman told attendees at the monthly Community Board 11 meeting the 111th Precinct finished 2017 down in all seven major crime categories. The precinct saw a 12.5 percent decrease year-over-year, with 850 incidents reported in 2016 and 744 reported in 2017.
“I don’t know how much lower those numbers can go, but as long as they keep going down, it’s a great thing for this community,” Erdman said.
Despite this, the officer continued, a burglary trend in the area continues to be problematic.
Those who don’t have an alarm system should consider one, he said. Residents who already have alarm systems installed are encouraged to engage them whenever there is no one at the home or business.
Windows and doors should always be locked and secured and entrances should be well lit. Those who live in an apartment should make sure to close the building’s lobby door upon entering.
Security cameras are “a great thing,” Erdman continued. They often deter burglars, especially career criminals, from breaking into homes or businesses.
Burglars are generally in and out in between four to seven minutes, Erdman said, making a quick response time critical.
“Take the necessary steps to prevent [burglaries] from happening,” Erdman said.
The police officer urged residents who think they see something out of the ordinary to always call 911.
“Nobody knows who lives on your block better than you do,” he said. “We’d rather show up and have it turn out to be nothing than find out two days later somebody’s house was broken into.”
