Dear Neighbors and Friends,
It is imperative that we make you aware of a frightening and potentially dangerous burglary pattern affecting the 5 Towns and Far Rockaway. To put it bluntly, without trying to create undue fear, this is a serious matter that requires the attention of all within our community. As it stands, if this matter is not adequately addressed, it is very likely that sooner or later a situation can potentially arise where someone can be hurt or worse.
There have been dozens of burglaries and attempted burglaries taking place almost nightly over the past 8 months. The perpetrator doesn’t differentiate between the 5 Towns or Far Rockaway, as he has hit both sides of the 878 numerous times already without any sign of stopping.
Be assured that the NCPD, NYPD and the RNSP are working tirelessly to put an end to these burglaries. The RNSP is working daily with NCPD and NYPD detectives, Nassau County and Queens County District Attorneys, community leaders, and various organizations in addressing this matter. We are gathering and sharing video footage and vital information with law enforcement as well as seriously increasing
post-midnight patrols throughout the night in the 5 Towns and Far Rockaway, particularly between the hours of 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM, which is when most of these burglaries are occurring.
Here is what you can do on your end: Be sure to lock your windows and doors. Keep your property free of ladders or anything else that can facilitate a burglary. Install cameras and lights activated by motion sensors outside of your home. If you already have cameras, make sure they are working and readjust them if necessary. If you see or hear anything suspicious, do not hesitate to call 911 and the RNSP’s 24/7 hotline. Trust your instincts; do not waste time doubting what you saw or heard.
Sadly, law enforcement data reveals that a bulk of these burglaries and attempted burglaries that we the RNSP, know about have either gone unreported or reported days after the crime took place. This makes combating these incidents much more difficult. If you find that you have been burglarized, or if someone tried to get et into your home and ran away because they were seen, call 911 and the RNSP right away! Try to gather as much helpful information as possible. Try to obtain a vivid description of the perpetrator, his clothing, his footwear, and his direction of flight. In doing so, avoid engaging with the perpetrator or otherwise making the situation any less safe than it already is. Furthermore, DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING! Police may be able to obtain DNA and/or fingerprint evidence that can help put an end to this crime pattern. Touching anything or waiting too long will limit the ability for detectives to gather any such vitally needed evidence.
To file a police report, simply call 911. Officers will come to your location. Be as specific as you can possibly be. Try to list all stolen items and their approximate monetary value. After you file a police report, follow up immediately with a call to the RNSP’s 24/7 hotline, (516) 858-7300.
Together, within our given roles, we can and we will put an end to this burglary pattern and make our community a better and safer place to live.
