Community Magazine October 2010

BlackBerrys to the Rescue There are now many more eyes watching the street – and chances are, you may even know some of them. They belong to an innovative neighborhood watch group called the “SYPD BlackBerry Blockwatch Alert.” Capitalizing on the ubiquity of smartphones, members of the group help monitor suspicious behavior as it occurs in the neighborhood, by sending electronic messages to other members. Named after the popular BlackBerry devices manufactured by Research In Motion, the group is helping to deter and detect crime in the Midwood, Kensington, Gravesend and surrounding sections of Brooklyn. In its relatively short existence, the group reports that it has already been successful in helping to bring criminals to justice. In one instance, the group apparently provided key information leading to a sting, in which undercover narcotic officers arrested three people who have allegedly been supplying local children with illicit drugs. Since the list began last year, the group’s membership has grown exponentially, and the project has received praise from police officials who encourage united neighborhood efforts to make communities safer. The Eyes and Ears of the NYPD Tough our community generally has a relatively low incidence of crime – and the number of area crimes has actually dropped –, some recent high profile incidents gave residents the impression that a wave of crime was sweeping our neighborhoods. In one instance, thieves obtained access to the car keys left by local congregants for safekeeping in a cabinet at a local synagogue on Ocean Parkway around Avenue J over Shabbat. The criminals made off with several cars. In another disturbing development, criminals gained entry into a home by posing as firemen. “The crime prevention support teams, consisting of fine police officers, are out day and night doing everything they can to protect and secure our community.” Dweck explains. The 61 st , 66 th , and 70 th precincts and their leadership are committed to maintaining the safety of our community. By being in touch with them and receiving regular reports about area crimes, we can do our part to help them keep our neighborhoods safe.” DAVE GORDON The SYPD Wants You! Burglaries, robberies, assaults, stolen cars, muggings, vandalism… Sounds like a typical police blotter to-do list. But what makes this list unique, is a novel initiative to send details about these crimes to businessmen, housewives, teenagers and other local civilians in an effort to help make area neighborhoods even safer. Historical Crime Statistics for Brooklyn's 61 st Precinct 1990 1995 2008 2009 Murder 11 10 5 3 Rape 25 30 5 10 Robbery 1,204 669 289 184 Assault 375 292 138 138 Burglary 2,544 1,343 404 303 Grand Larceny 1,480 875 662 479 Autos 4,206 1,998 227 158 TOTAL 9,845 5,217 1,734 1,275 The 61 st precinct has seen the largest drop in crime of any precinct in the city since 1990 (except Central Park, which has no residents). According to Dweck, we can all help to reduce crime by officially reporting all illegal activity to the NYPD. When more crime is reported in an area, the NYPD responds by dispatching more police to the area. That’s why Dweck recommends reporting even minor incidents (like vandalism or a broken car window which is only discovered after the fact) to 911 – even though it may not seem like an emergency. For local information about area crimes in the 61 st , 66 th , and 70 th Precincts, and to receive regular email reports, visit groups.google.com/group/blackberry-suspicious-behavior-alert or visit the Alert’s website www.communitynewsflash.org . Sol Wahba can be contacted at (917) 304-1293 or sol@nuvostuff.com NYPD Liaison Joe Dweck can be reached at (917) 821-7877 or joedweck@aol.com . 42 Community magazine