May 25, 2016 By Michael Florio
Auto theft is up sharply in Astoria due to a slew of stolen motorcycles, according to the 114 precinct.
There have been 19 Grand Larceny Auto incidents in the current 28-period, which ends on May 22, compared to 10 during this same period last year. That is an increase of 90 percent.
The majority of these stolen vehicles have been motorcycles, Special Operation Lieutenant Nicholas Morales of the 114th Precinct said at a community meeting Tuesday night.
“It is motorcycle season,” he said.
This issue has plagued the precinct north of Astoria Boulevard, in upper Ditmars, according to Morales.
The thieves will often drive around scouting the neighborhood. After spotting a motorcycle they will return in the middle of the night, quickly throw it in a van and take off, Morales said.
“It can take just two men and only 30 seconds,” he noted.
“Garages and spaces are expensive, but they are worth it,” Morales added.
3 Comments
Glad I read this. I thought they were being repossessed.
the losers who are stealing these bikes are same losers who are riding them
ROR (raff out roud)