Crime & Safety

81st Precinct Meets

Robberies, Assaults and Arrests Are Up

The met last night at , and Deputy Inspector Juanita N. Holmes was on hand to provide an update on the past month's activities.

Holmes reported that, although crime is up slightly almost across the board this month compared to last year, significant progress has been made in several other areas.

"Arrests are up. And fortunately, we do not have any ongoing gang wars," said Holmes. "Usually, it is a situation that is personal between people."

Find out what's happening in Bed-Stuywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Also, I want to point out that many of these arrests are made of people who don't even reside in 81. Often times, they are here from other places and are affiliated with family or friends who live here," said Holmes.

Holmes also reported that the largest number of crimes were larcenies, with electronics being the number-one target: Cell phones, laptops and MP3 players, often snatched from individuals while walking down the street.

Find out what's happening in Bed-Stuywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Try not to talk on your cell phone when walking down the street," said Holmes. "When you are talking and not paying attention is when you become a target."

Sergeant Marie O'Donnell from the special victims squad also talked how to respond to acquaintance or domestic violence rapes. She pointed out that people will call the precinct to report a robbery or theft quickly, but they are slow to report a rape because of the stigma.

"Please contact police right away," said O'Donnell. "And there are designated centers, such as Woodhull Hospital, you can go to if you are sexually assaulted.

"You have to go to have evidence collected towards prosecution, should you seek it. A specially trained response examiner will see you within an hour."

O'Donnell also spoke about child advocacy centers around Brooklyn for child victims of sexual abuse.

Holmes also talked about the precinct's Gun Amnesty Program where residents who have found or are in possession of a firearm may turn it in, no questions asked, for $100. Also, confidential informants who provide information leading to a major gun arrest could receive up to a $1,000 reward.

The Deputy Inspector also presented Police Officers Brian Hellberg, 25, and Christopher Kelly, 25 with the "Cop of the Month" Award. Hellberg and Kelly responded to a report of a shooting on November 14 that resulted in the death of Jamal Bailey.

The two officers pursued the shooting suspect who fled on foot and then entered a building at 31 Sumpter Place. The officers quickly obtained a warrant to gain entry in the building. They arrested the suspect, Sean Brown, and also recovered the firearm, along with crack and marijuana. Brown currently is incarcerated. Brown and Bailey were cousins and neither one lived in Bed-Stuy.

The "Cop of the Month" Award presented to Hellberg and Kelly was met with a resounding round of applause.

Holmes and other members of the 81st Pct. will participate in Christmas caroling tonight at St. Mary's Church of Christ, 493 Monroe St # 5, 7:00 pm.

The 81st Pct. Community Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 794 Monroe Street at 7:00 p.m.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.