81st Precinct Meets

held its first community council meeting of the year last night. Attendance was thin, because, they speculated, the coming blizzard scared people off of the streets and into the safety of their homes. But still, there were some new faces as well.

Crime Stats

Deputy Inspector Juanita Holmes opened the meeting. She announced that since last month, crime is up 21.4% this month, compared to last month. The two crimes most reported were:

--Grand Larcenies, up 3; 5 crimes reported over 2 last month

--Felony Assaults, up 3; 5 crimes reported over 2 last month

“As far as grand auto larcenies, there seems to be a pattern in which the perpetrator is targeting 1990’s Nissan Maximas. Three of them were stolen this week alone,” said Holmes. "It appears that it may be the same person who has some sort of master key," she said. The detective squad and auto crimes is investigating.

Impact Zones

The 81st Pct has received a total of 38 new officers to police the new Impact Zone, the area with the highest crimes. The Impact Zone for the 81 has changed to include the areas from Marcus Garvey Avenue to Malcolm X Blvd and from Kosciusko Street to Monroe Street.

Roll Call

Inspector Holmes is inviting the general public, community leaders and elected officials to come and participate in one of the precinct’s roll call sessions. The roll calls happen every day at 7:00 am, 3:00 pm, 5:30 pm, 11:20 pm.

“Roll calls are an opportunity to introduce yourself, and what it is you do,” said Holmes. “They are a way for us to bridge the gap between the community and police officers.”

Group Robberies

There have been a group of kids, a roving band of young people who are robbing and assaulting people in the Madison area, said Holmes. "And these are girls too; they are not just boys," said Holmes.

“It was brought to our attention on New Year’s Eve, these bands of kids, between 13-14 years old who rove around like wolf packs,” said Holmes. “Three women were attacked on New Year’s Eve. So if you see groups of kids who are out past 11:00 at night, and it looks unusual, please call 911.”

“We have to stay focused, and we really need your help,” said Holmes. “We’ve had some really brutal occurrences happen recently.”

Lieutenant Rafael Mascol said the precinct has identified some of the children and are now conducting home visits with the parents. He asked that if anyone had any suggestions of programs or alternatives for these young kids, to please contact the community affairs officers William Jenkins and William Manderson, at 718-574-0433.

New Bicycle Rules

Officer Jenkins announced new bicycle rules for cyclists that will be enforced; the same rules as cars. There is a pamphlet that will be made available at the precinct, explaining everything. He said the need for new bike rules had to be enforced, in part, due to an increased amount of crimes committed by perpetrators on bikes.

“They ride their bikes in the opposite direction of traffic up and down streets, to get away from cops,” said Jenkins.

So the new bicycle rules will enable cops to stop and ticket bikers on the spot who break traffic rules.

Announcements

--The executive board needs help across all areas of fundraising for their programs for the youth and elderly: for 30 years, they have held a summer camp program, a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway and their annual Christmas Party and Toy Giveaway. They’re asking people to please come to the meetings and volunteer your skills and time towards their fundraising efforts.

--The community liaison for Representative Thomas Boyland’s office is calling all plumbers and electricians who currently are not certified. The Member is holding an orientation for free on Thursday, January 13th, at Boyland’s office. Thursday's orientation will register participants for a free class that will certify all electricians and plumbers FREE. All you need is to be at least 18 years old. “You will not be turned away, even if you have a criminal record,” said the representative.

--District Leader Robert Cornegy announced the opening of a brand-new renovated computer center, available to the entire public, 700 Gates Avenue, 1-F. There are 35 new computers, brand-new facilities, free WiFi, free use, Mon – Fri, 10am – 7pm. Also, out of the computer center, there will be free Microsoft Program class offered. The class is set up so that you can move at your own pace, and once you complete the course, you will be certified to teach the program. For more information on the class, contact Mr. Cornegy at cornegyr@yahoo.com. Also, the New York Library Society has re-opened a reading room space, located at the corner of Greene and Stuyvesant Avenues. He did not have the hours available or the exact street address. But he said to contact him at: cornegyr@yahoo.com for more information.

--Under the leadership of Inspector Holmes and two colleagues, they have started a Grandmothers Program, for grandmothers who are now struggling to raise their grandchildren on their own. The program meets the fourth Tuesday of each month.

“It is an opportunity for grandmothers to talk about their problems and exchange ideas,” said Holmes. For more information, contact community affairs at 718-574-0433.

--Detective Harris announced that block permits no longer will be issued as hard copies, and that everything, from payment to registration, has now been moved online.