Grand Larcenies, Robberies Still a Local Issue

Crime statistics have overall maintained a basically even trajectory when compared to last week, but drilling down into the numbers reveals a spike in grand larcenies and robberies over the past month, with the most recent week no exception.

There were three robberies between March 26 and April 1, compared to just one during the same period last year.

That trendline is climbing, as the previous 28 days have 10 recorded robberies in the 112 Precinct, compared to just three in 2011.

Grand larcenies also saw a jump during the same period. There were 10 between March 26 and April 1, compared to 5 during the same period last year.

On the whole, larcenies have remained static year-over-year, but a representative from the precinct expressed concern and warned residents at a meeting on Tuesday night.

Captain Ralph Forgione, of the 112 Precinct, was in attendance at the Forest Hills Civic Association this week.

“In the last 30 days, we’ve had 31 grand larcenies — ten of them are unattended property — so once every three days, somebody is leaving something, then they’re turning their back and it’s gone,” Forgione said. “On top of the 10 unattended property, five [stolen items] were in a car. That’s half of our crimes right there.”

“Grand larcenies are a big thing, and I’d appreciate it if people could spread the word, if you’re out, if you’re shopping, take the purse out of the car,” he added. “Don’t leave your bag.”

It wasn’t all bad news for the precinct. During the most recent tracking period, there were no recorded burglaries, and the number of stolen autos was cut in half when compared with last year’s numbers.

For more information, check the COMPSTAT sheet at right.