BY RYAN BUXTON | Two categories of crime rose significantly over the last 28 days in the New York Police Department’s 10th Precinct, Deputy Inspector Elisa Cokkinos told residents at the March 27 Community Council meeting.
“The bottom line for the 10th Precinct is we saw increases in some of our crimes, most specifically in burglaries,” Cokkinos told the small group of concerned residents who gathered for an update on the neighborhood’s police activity.
Burglaries accounted for the biggest rise in crime. Cokkinos said a total of 11 burglaries were reported over the 28-day period, up from only two during the previous month. Of nine incidents, two occurred at construction sites, two were truck burglaries, three took place at commercial establishments and four were committed at residences.
Several of the residential burglaries had something in common — the thieves’ work was made easier by faulty security measures. “For the residential [burglaries], it was broken doorknobs. The doors weren’t secured to begin with,” noted Cokkinos. She strongly recommended that residents keep an open dialogue with building management regarding safety measures.
Cokkinos emphasized that officers are serious about the uptick in crime and are working to identify all involved culprits. “We’ve seen an increase in crime, but we have some good arrests to back that up. So the guys out there are working hard for you to keep Chelsea safe,” she assured.
One of the nine burglary cases for the month, an incident involving a boyfriend who broke into his girlfriend’s apartment, was nearing arrest at the time of the meeting. Cokkinos also mentioned two grand larceny arrests in cases where victims had their cell phones snatched from their hands on the street. (See the Police Blotter on page 10 for one such incident — with a twist.)
Police also made several arrests in robbery cases, apprehending four suspects involved with three separate incidents. The precinct saw eight reports of robbery over the last 28 days, which is one more than the seven that were reported the previous month.
Cokkinos also told residents that police seized two illegal “motorized bicycles” during the last 28-day period. The bikes, which are modified by adding a motor, cannot be legally registered in the city and are not permitted for use.
Cokkinos noted that it can be difficult for police to take action on these bikes, because suspects are in the clear if they pedal the bike themselves and the motor isn’t the only propelling mechanism. “They are illegal in the city, but if they’re powered by the person on it, if they’re pedaling it, we have to observe them not powering it for a certain amount of time,” she said, adding that officers know to keep a watchful eye to try and catch the cyclers who aren’t pedaling.
One concerned resident spoke with Cokkinos about bicyclists on 8th Avenue and 25th, 26th and 27th Streets who sometimes ignore traffic flow. “They don’t care who’s in their way,” the woman said. Cokkinos assured her that officers are working on the problem, noting that police issued 43 bicycle summonses over the last month — many of which were for infractions by those on delivery bikes. When the resident commented that bicycle issues will only get worse as spring weather approaches, Cokkinos said they will continue to address the issue as effectively as possible.
Cokkinos also updated attendees on the efforts to keep bus stops clear. After residents at the January Community Council meeting complained that cars and delivery trucks were blocking bus stops and curbs, police took action. Cokkinos reported that in the past 28-day period, 55 bus stop summonses had been issued (only slightly fewer than the 63 summonses officers wrote in February).
The short meeting concluded on a festive note, with Cokkinos wishing attendees happy holidays during Passover and Easter. She concluded the meeting with an optimistic look to the future: “We’re going to do good things. Spring is coming, so we’re going to take the rest of the year on strong.”
The next Community Council takes place on Wednesday, April 24, at 7pm, at the 10th Precinct (230 W. 20th St., btw. 7th & 8th Aves.). For complete information on the 10th and 13th Precincts, see the Police Blotter (page 10).
