Regardless of Staten Island recording a 14% decline in grand larceny autos thefts, a 69% decline in burglaries and an 8% decline in total index crimes up to now this yr, a current housebreaking sample in Todt Hill and Dongan Hills, involving a number of pressured dwelling entries and thefts of non-public automobiles, in addition to an tried grand larceny auto theft in Arden Heights, has raised the alarm amongst legislation enforcement officers and residents.
The suspects have been dubbed the “Crowbar Crew” by legislation enforcement officers as they allegedly use crowbars to open home windows to achieve entry to houses and automobiles with this present sample happening between Feb. 1 and Feb. 9.
“A part of why we’re right here right this moment is to remind the folks of Staten Island to be vigilant and to take warning,” mentioned Borough President Fossella at a press convention outdoors of the 121st Precinct in Graniteville. “There are dangerous folks on the streets. The trouble and the aim are to do away with them so that you could stay in peace, however there are little pockets in Todt Hill and Dongan Hills, and extra lately Arden Heights, the place there are folks trying to steal vehicles. We’re going to do the whole lot we are able to to make sure it involves a halt or is minimized as a lot as attainable.”
Borough Commander Eger mentioned the NYPD has stepped up its patrols within the areas most impacted by the housebreaking sample and has elevated the variety of unmarked vehicles, significantly in a single day.
Residents are urged to take precautions by guaranteeing they take away their keys from their automobiles, remaining with their automobiles when warming them up, preserving their home windows closed and locking their automobiles upon exiting them.
“The message right here to Staten Island residents is be vigilant however on the similar time, we all know what’s occurring, we’re doing the whole lot we are able to to ensure we carry these folks to justice so that you just don’t need to get up with a automobile out of your driveway,” mentioned Borough President Fossella.
