Holiday Shopping Safety

County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey and the Police Department are taking affirmative steps to ensure the safety of the people of Nassau County during the upcoming holiday season. All of our regular marked and plainclothes patrols will be intensifying their coverage of shopping malls and commercial areas. The patrols will be augmented by patrol from our Mounted Unit and Bureau of Special Operations. Concurrently, dedicated patrols have been assigned to the major malls within the county, putting additional police officers at those locations during peak hours.

In addition to shopping safety, Nassau Police will also be on the outlook for drivers and occupants who are not complying with the Seat Belt Law. This includes children who are not in child safety seats or buckled in their seat. Police Officers will also be vigilant watching for drivers who are drinking and driving on all roads in Nassau. Handicapped parking violations will be strictly enforced. Parking in handicapped spaces are reserved for those with visible permits.

Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey suggests some holiday shopping tips:

Before Leaving Home

· Plan your shopping trip carefully. Know where you are going and what routes you will take to get there.

· If possible, arrange for a friend to go shopping with you. There is safety in numbers.

· Let someone know where you are going and what route you will be taking. Additionally, let them know when you expect to return.

· Leave your home secure, engage alarms and give the appearance that your home is occupied by leaving the lights on in the most frequently used rooms.

· Don’t leave valuable items out in the open. Secure them in closets, safes, etc.

When Parking

· Always park in well-lit areas.

· Note the location of your vehicle in the parking lot to conveniently return after shopping.

· Always lock all your doors

· Remove all items, such as radar detectors, laptops or packages and hide them in the trunk, glove compartment, out of site.

· Avoid parking near vans or other vehicles with covered cargo areas.

· Avoid carrying large handbags. Carry only what is necessary.

· Look around the parking lot for suspicious persons before you exit your vehicle.

· Don’t get out of your vehicle until you are ready. If you don’t feel safe, stay in the car or drive away.

While Shopping

· Keep your money and credit cards in your front pocket and try to limit the number of credit cards and cash you’re carrying while shopping.

· To avoid being a victim of “Identity Theft”, be aware of exposing credit cards, debit cards and other identification at the cash register and ATM’s. Thieves will utilize cell phones to capture card information without your knowledge.

· Be cognizant of any other type of “Distraction” type of crimes that typically occur during this time of the year.

When Returning To Your Car

Never leave the store with your arms full of packages. Use a courtesy cart.

Have your car key in hand, ready to unlock your door.

Check the parking lot for suspicious people and look around before you exit the store.

Do not return to your vehicle if you see people loitering nearby.

Carry a whistle or other audible device. If you feel threatened, use it. If you’re inside your vehicle, lock your doors and honk your horn to attract attention.

Check underneath, in front and in back of your car as you approach it.

Check the front and rear passenger seats inside your car before you enter it.

If you are planning on returning to the store, never leave your packages in plain view inside your vehicle. Lock them in the trunk or place them on the floor and cover them with a blanket or jacket.

Nassau County Clerk Warns Residents About Deed Scam

“Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell wants to caution homeowners about mass mailings being sent out claiming “The U.S. Government Federal Citizen Information Center website recommends that property owners should have an official or certified copy of their deed.” These letters urge homeowners that it is necessary to purchase a certified copy of the deed to their home.

All deeds for property located in Nassau County are recorded and maintained at the County Clerk’s Office and only the Clerk’s Office can issue certified copies of these records, which are equivalent to the original. Once processed the original deed is returned directly to the owner or their attorney. These private companies continue to solicit the purchase of a deed on behalf of the homeowner sometimes for more than 800% over Clerk’s Office fees.

County Clerk O’Connell, concerned by these deceptive practices, advocated along with County Clerks throughout the state for the passage of legislation requiring these solicitations to disclose that certified copies of deeds are available directly from the County Clerk for a nominal fee. However, many homeowners continue to be victimized by these scams.

It is not necessary to retain a service to get a copy of your deed. Certified copies of deeds can always be obtained from the County Clerk’s Office for $5 to $10. Anyone wishing to request a certified copy of their deed can contact Clerk O’Connell’s office at 516-571-2664 for further information.”

The Fifth Squad reports the details of the arrest of a Franklin Square woman for Robbery that occurred on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 7:10 PM.


According to detectives, the defendant, while in the parking lot of Pathmark, 460 Franklin Ave. Franklin Square, approached a 41 year old female victim outside of her car. The defendant stabbed the victim, took her Coach pocketbook and fled on foot northbound on Franklin Ave. Uniformed Officers canvassed the area and located the defendant at Lincoln St. and Van Buren Ave., a short distance from the scene of the crime. The victim’s pocketbook was recovered and a 14” serrated kitchen knife, which was used in the commission of the crime, was found inside. The victim was transported to a local area hospital where she received stitches for lacerations to her hand, ear and neck.

The defendant is charged with Robbery 1st degree, Assault 2nd degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th degree and Possession of a Dangerous Weapon 4th degree.

Police Respond to an Alarm

Hello,

I have heard from neighbors that there have been 3 GCS house burglaries in the last few weeks.
Most recent was on Caroline Avenue, other incidents I heard about were Roxbury Road and Cambridge Avenue.
I did not find this information on the POP blog (could be I looked in the wrong place) and I want to know if this information is true, please? If true I want to know approximate time of day they occurred.

Thank you.
BP

Thank you for reaching out to us with your concerns. You are the eyes and ears of the community so please call regarding anything suspicious or unusual. This is our community so please be vigilant and again do not be afraid to call 911 for any suspicious and unusual activity.


I have spoken to our Detectives about this matter and they let me know they are investigating the incidents.   The house on Cambridge was broken into during the afternoon around 2 p.m.  The detectives are looking for a male hispanic.  We have also emailed a Crime Stoppers Memo for another burglary in Garden City to all on our email list.  These burglaries seem to occur during the day while someone steps out.

Protect Your Self and Your Home By:

1. Installing and maintaining timers on lights inside and out.
2. Make sure all exterior lights are functioning properly
3. No mail or flyers left out
4. Let a neighbor you trust know your away and where you are in case they need to contact you
5 . Safeguard all jewelry and cash
6 . Make sure all first floor window air conditioners are secured because this allows easy access for burglars to get into your home
7. Make sure all house alarms are functioning properly
8 . Make sure all windows and doors are secure
9 . Trim all bushes and hedges around windows and doors because these make easy hiding spots for burglars
10. Be careful of routines.

If you see anything suspicious please call 911 and not your local precinct so their response can be faster! When in doubt do not be afraid to call 911!! Speak clearly and slowly so the proper information gets out. Don’t rush the phone call because all the information is important.
Try to get any information possible i.e. vehicle plate numbers, physical descriptions such as clothing, height, race, weight, gender, direction of travel, and what they might have in their possession i.e. backpack, gym bag.