Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Deception Burglaries

212CR0007524 1/30/2012 13:25 - BUSCHER AVE VALLEY STREAM 517

Complainant reports a M/W in his late 20's, average build, with dark hair, wearing an orange vest asking her if she needed work done in her driveway. Complainant refused and closed her door. Complainant saw subject go to her neighbors house and then drive away in a gray pick up truck heading west. Complainant got a partial plate of ORD.

Analyst note: There have been similar incidents involving deception burglaries throughout the county.

OTHER NY `f ORD

Friday, January 27, 2012

Daily Report

1/26/2012 10:30 - WASHINGTON ST FRANKLIN SQUARE 503
While Complainant was walking home from school, listed vehicle did approach her and stop in the roadway.
Operator stated, “Come in, I’ll give you a ride.” Complainant became frightened and ran towards New Hyde
Park Road. Vehicle initially followed Complainant, but ultimately made a right turn and drove northbound on
New Hyde Park Road. Operator is described as a M/B, 40 years old, stocky build, with close-cropped short
dreadlocks, and wearing a black shirt.
SUSP-VH GOLD

212CR0006621 1/26/2012 18:40 - NASSAU BLVD WEST HEMPSTEAD 507
Listed Suspects knocked on the side door of Complainant’s home, asking her if she needed home
improvements done. Suspects were neatly dressed and advised Complainant that her windows were old and
asked if she wanted replacement windows installed. Complainant stated she was not interested, at which point
Suspects left scene in an unknown direction. Due to recent cases of burglaries committed by individuals under
the pretense of home improvement work, Complainant called police.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Crime Prevention Seminars

Hempstead Town Hosts Series of Senior Citizens' Crime Prevention Seminars, Free Brochure Available Senior citizens have been the main target of a recent spate of “distraction” burglaries and robberies in local communities. To prepare and educate our golden aged residents about protecting themselves from dangerous criminal activity, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the town’s Department of Public Safety kicked off a series of Senior Citizens’ Crime Prevention Seminars that began on January 6th at the East Meadow Senior Center.

Murray, along with members of the Hempstead Town Board, announced a schedule of dates and times for Hempstead Town’s Senior Citizens’ Crime Prevention Seminars. All seminars are free of charge, and open to all senior residents living in the Town of Hempstead.

“I urge all senior citizens to take advantage of this free educational safety seminar,” Murray said. “Simple prevention measures that will be discussed during the seminars can protect our residents and keep them out of harm’s way.”

“Distraction burglaries” typically involve multiple criminals targeting seniors at their homes. Usually, one person diverts the senior citizen’s attention at the front door with a bogus service or sales pitch, while another breaks into the home and steals money and/or valuable items. These valuable seminars educate seniors about what to watch for, what to avoid and how to protect themselves from these criminals.

A free senior citizen crime prevention brochure is also available for residents. It can be obtained by calling the Hempstead Town Department of Public Safety at (516) 538-1900. The brochure will also be distributed at the seminars.

In the case of inclement weather, check with individual senior centers on event dates by calling the phone numbers listed. The seminar schedule is as follows:

Senior Citizen Crime Prevention Schedule

Baldwin Senior Center, 1810 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, (516) 546-7110 - Monday, February 6: 11 a.m.

Bellmore Senior Center, 2000 Bellmore Avenue, Bellmore, (516) 221-9696 - Tuesday, February 28: 11 a.m.

Cedarhurst Senior Center, Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, (516) 295-1177 - Monday, February 6: 2 p.m.

Elmont Senior Center, 138 Elmont Road, Elmont, (516) 354-4777 - Monday, February 13: 11 a.m.

Franklin Square Senior Center, 1182 Martha Place, Franklin Square , (516) 328-3010 - Monday, February 13: 1 p.m.

Green Acres Senior Center, 400 Flower Road, Valley Stream, (516) 872-8810 - Tuesday, February 21: 11 a.m.

Hempstead Senior Center, 260 Clinton Street, Hempstead, (516) 489-8500 - Friday, February 10: 1 p.m.

Levittown Senior Center, 555 North Newbridge Road, Levittown, (516) 433-5454 - Tuesday, February 7: 1 p.m.

Merrick Senior Center, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, (516) 868-4777 - Tuesday, February 14: 1 p.m.

Oceanside Senior Center, 2900 Rockaway Avenue, Oceanside, (516) 766-8888 - Monday, January 23: 11 a.m.

Rosa Parks Senior Center, 2 Babylon Turnpike, Roosevelt, (516) 867-1612 - Friday, February 3, 11 a.m.

Salisbury Senior Center, 460 Salisbury Park Drive, Westbury, (516) 333-5440 - Tuesday, February 7: 11 a.m.

Uniondale-Hempstead Senior Center, 840 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, (516) 292-1313 - Friday, February 3: 1 p.m

Uniondale-Merrick Senior Center, 750 Jerusalem Avenue, Uniondale, (516) 538-5050 - Friday, February 10: 11 a.m.

Wantagh Senior Center, 1150 Seamans Neck Road, Wantagh, (516) 785-8505 - Friday, February 17: 11 a.m.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Project 21 Arrests

1/18/2012 450 MEECHAM AVE ELMONT 505

BRC Market
17:00 -
Officer observed the defendant sell alcohol to an underage agent working for the police department. Arrestee did not ask for any form of identification showing proof of age.

1/18/2012 103 GOTHAM AVE ELMONT 501
7 to 8 Deli/Grocery
17:40 -Officer observed the defendant sell alcohol to an underage agent working for the police department. Arrestee did not ask for any form of identification showing proof of age.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Pack the Jim Night

In early December, Franklin Square resident Jim McGrath, 41 yrs. old, attended his daughter Kimberly’s JV Basketball at Carey High School. After the game Jim went home and began to set up Christmas Lights for the house. Tragically and unexpectedly, Jim suffered a fatal heart attack and passed away. Jim left behind his wife Tracey and four young childr...en. In addition to Kimberly, are his other children KelliAnn, Patrick, and James.


The Carey Girls’ Basketball Teams wish to honor Jim McGrath’s memory via a “Pack the Jim Night.” Raffles and Prizes will be given out throughout the JV and Varsity Basketball games against Westbury High School on Friday, February 3rd. Donations will be accepted at the door. All proceeds from the evening will be given to the McGrath Family. The start times are 4:30pm for the JV and 6:15pm for the Varsity. The Varsity game will be televised by MSG Varsity.

Quick Reply

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Distraction Burglaries

Definition:


Distraction burglary is a crime in which elderly persons are often the targets. The perpetrator seeks to draw a resident out of the house on a pretext. While the resident is occupied, an accomplice enters the home and picks up valuables such as money and jewelry. Thieves may also pick up papers with the intent of committing identity theft. In a variation, the accomplice enters the dwelling by a second door while the resident is occupied at the other door.

The following attachments and link below provide some helpful tips and suggestions to avoid you or a loved one from becoming victims of this crime trend. Feel free to share this information to all who may benefit from it.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/tag/distraction-burglary/

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Be Prepared and Not Scared

Murray, Hudes Help Senior Citizens Learn How to Safeguard Their Homes from “Distraction Burglary”Residential burglaries are invasions of privacy and are threats to the safety and quality of life enjoyed by Hempstead Town residents. Many burglars prey on our most vulnerable citizens, tending to target the senior citizens in our community. Indeed, there have been nine “distraction burglaries” and attempted robberies in our area since December 9th, whereby criminals used various methods of deception to distract homeowners to gain access to valuables inside.


In an effort to increase awareness and knowledge for concerned senior citizens, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Councilman Gary Hudes and the Department of Public Safety hosted a burglary prevention safety seminar at the East Meadow Senior Center on Friday.

“Being cautious and alert can go a long way in safeguarding your home and your loved ones from criminals,” Murray said. “This seminar will be a valuable educational tool for our seniors so they can enjoy their golden years without fearing for their safety. Be prepared, not scared.”

The spate of “distraction burglaries” and robbery attempts are a disturbing trend with senior citizens as the main targets. The following are some tips for senior citizens to consider in an effort to avoid becoming victims:

Install and use a peephole
Never open the door to strangers and never let them know you’re alone.
Ask for identification. If someone rings your doorbell claiming to provide a service and/or represent a company, organization or group, ask them to present identification. Get their names.
Beware of phone scams: Don’t give personal or financial information over the phone. Hang up on nuisance callers and report them.
Protect yourself from common types of consumer crimes, including medical and insurance fraud, sweepstakes scams, business schemes and unlicensed home repairs.
If someone breaks into your home, do not confront the burglar. Lock the room you’re in and if you can get to a phone, quietly call law enforcement officials.
“If you don’t know someone at your door, don’t let them in,” Hudes said. “If you feel threatened or have been victimized by one of these crimes, immediately contact the authorities.”
"Awareness and education are keys to preventing unwelcome intruders from entering the home,” Murray said. “I encourage senior citizens, and all residents, to follow these important preventative tips. Remember, the best way to fight crime is to prevent it in the first place.”

Thursday, January 5, 2012

The Last Text

"The Last Text" a short documentary is a must see for all who own a cell phone and are tempted to use it while driving.  Please share this short video with family and friends.  It could save a life!

Using a cell phone while driving has been found to quadruple your risk of crashing.
 
Drivers spend more than half their time behind the wheel engaged in distracted behavior.

Eating, smoking, adjusting music or rubbernecking while driving can be just as dangerous as texting, emailing or talking on a cell phone.

Click on:    The Last Text   to play short documentary.
Please share with family and friends.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Outdoor Safety Tips

Dress for the Season
Winter has arrived and you should dress for the season.
Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers. Trapped air between the layers acts as an insulator. Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill.
Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.
Always wear a hat or cap on your head since half of your body heat could be lost through an uncovered head.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves because fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other.

Physical Exertion

Winter storm conditions and cold waves are the deadliest types of weather.
Cold temperatures put an extra strain on your heart. Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing a car, increase the risk of a heart attack.
To avoid problems, remember these tips:
Stay warm, dress warm and SLOW DOWN when working outdoors.
Take frequent rests to avoid over exertion.
If you feel chest pain -- STOP and seek help immediately.

Winter Sports Safety

New York State offers an abundance of sports activities during the winter season. From skiing and snowboarding to ice climbing, hiking and other outdoor pursuits, parents and children should follow the safety rules of the sport.
Most importantly, use the proper equipment and check to make sure everything is in proper working condition. A well-fitting ANSI/SNELL certified helmet will assure a safer, more enjoyable wintertime experience whether you are skiing, sledding, snowboarding or skating.
Dress in multiple, lightweight layers to stay warm and dry while enjoying the outdoors. Check the weather forecast but be prepared for anything.
If you are heading into the backcountry, never travel alone. Let someone know your route and estimated time of return.
Skiers and snowboarders should go on runs that are appropriate for their ability. Stay in control at all times and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects. Obey all posted signs and warnings.
No matter what sport you participate in, always focus 100 percent of your attention on the activity and the terrain you are on. Moreover, rest when you are tired.

Safe Sledding
Winter is a fun time for children, but it also may be dangerous. Parents should be aware of some simple safety tips for their children when they go sledding or tobogganing:
Children should never use streets or roads for sledding unless they are blocked off from traffic.
Children should sled only during daytime hours.
Do not sled on icy hills. Sledding hills should be only snow covered.
Avoid sledding over snow bumps or anything that may cause the sled to become airborne.
Never sled alone. An adult should always accompany small children.
Children should stay out of the paths of other sledders. In addition, if the slopes become busy, they should move off them quickly.
Parents, if you are sledding with your children, follow these rules yourselves.

Safe Skating
Winter is a fun time for children, but it also may be dangerous. Parents should be aware of some simple safety tips for their children when they go ice-skating:
If possible, skate at areas that have been approved and posted for ice-skating.
Never skate alone. Always have at least two people present.
Children should never be allowed to skate on a pond unsupervised.
Remember ice thickness is never consistent on lakes and ponds. Water currents, particularly around narrow spots, bridges, inlets and outlets are always suspect for thin ice.
Stay away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas and darker areas that signify thinner ice.
Never skate after dark.

Hypothermia
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia, especially in children and the elderly.
Watch for these symptoms:
Inability to concentrate
Poor coordination
Slurred speech
Drowsiness
Exhaustion
Uncontrollable shivering, followed by a sudden lack of shivering
If the person’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency medical assistance immediately! Remove wet clothing, wrap the victim in warm blankets and give warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids until help arrives.

Frostbite

People working or playing outdoors during the winter can develop frostbite and not even know it. There is no pain associated with the early stages of frostbite, so learn to watch for these danger signs:
First, the skin may feel numb and become flushed. Then it turns white or grayish-yellow. Frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch.
If frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a warm area. Cover the affected area with something warm and dry. Never rub it!
Then get to a doctor or hospital as quickly as possible.

Snow Blower Safety

Do you have a snow blower? Did you know that most snow blower injuries happen because the operator did not read the operating instructions?

So, read your owner’s manual and follow these tips:
Never leave your snow blower running and unattended.
Make sure the discharge chute is not aimed at passing motorists or pedestrians.
Never put your hands into the discharge chute or augers to clear stuck snow and ice.
Never add fuel when the engine is running and hot.
Make sure you know how to turn the machine off quickly.

P.O. Jesse Atchison