114 Precinct
March 27, 2014 By Michael Florio
Burglaries remain stubbornly high in the 114th precinct, although they have dropped from the spike of last month.
The precinct reported that there were 41 burglaries for the 28-day period through March 16, compared to 29 for the same 28 day period a year ago in 2013. The increase represented a 40% jump.
However, for the 28 days ending Feb. 16, the figure was up 100%, when the precinct reported 42 burglaries, up from 21 from the same period in 2013.
Burglars have been targeting apartment buildings, where they have been climbing up fire escapes and entering into the apartments through open windows. Buildings in the Steinway Street (from 28th Ave to 30th Ave) vicinity have been prime targets.
Deputy Inspector Kevin Maloney, the commanding officer of the 114th precinct, said the police has stepped up its surveillance of Steinway Street and 30th Ave. These resources include the use of auxiliary officers, working with residents to make sure their buildings are more secure, and handing out flyers to alert residents.
The burglary rate has gone up significantly in Western Queens in recent marks. The 108 precinct, which covers Sunnyside, Woodside and Long Island City, has also seen a marked increase in burglaries since December. Burglars have targeted apartment building there too.
Maloney advised residents to lock their doors and windows. He said that thieves typically move on to the next apartment when they come across one that is locked.
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One Comment
I live in central Astoria complex and my apartment was recently broken Into as well. There seems to be cameras all over my neighborhood I hope these thieves are caught ASAP!