We didn't hear good news tonight.

1. We are #1 in the city in Grand Larceny Autos (car thefts).  In one area of the 104th three cars were stolen off one block in less than 28 days!  The car thefts are precinct wide and we were told some cars are being stolen right out of driveways.  Car thefts usually occur between the hours of 1 am and 5 am.  Most of the autos stolen are mini vans.
2. We are #2 or #3 in the city in home burglaries which usually occur between 10 am and 4 pm and this is occurring precinct wide.  Most entries are made through windows or through the rear of the house.

Please alert the neighbors and tell them if they see anything that doesn't look right to call 911 immediately.

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PO Bell met with the roadmaster of CSX today to discuss the huge pile of trash on the railroad's right-of-way adjacent to Stop & Shop's loading entrance.  There are big problems and we're going to have to push the railroad to get it cleaned up.  I am listing some facts to the best of my knowledge that were relayed to me and other info:

    * No one lives on the site so we're not talking about dislodging anyone.  Supposedly the person who built this lives with his mother.
    * CSX knew about the trash here but we suspect they didn't know how much there actually was.  They knew about the fire but what is troubling they didn't take any measure to remove it last year when the fire occurred.  Most likely there was less trash there last year. 
    * The trash isn't up against their right-of-way and we suspect they don't consider it a priority - much like the other railroad properties that run through our area.
    * The roadmaster stated that he has to complete a report, send it to Florida and they'll have to hire a private contractor.  This will take time.
    * The roadmaster said they did not erect the fence - it must have been Stop & Shop.  He said they do not want fences on their property. (This is disturbing because without fencing a child could wonder on their property.)
    * In order to access the trash, it is likely they'll have to remove the fence and get to the site via Stop & Shop's delivery entrance and possibly use a crane to get to the debris.  This will be a problem because the driveway is private property.
    * COMET reached out to Assembly Member Markey's office and her Chief of Staff stated that it will be made a priority.
    * It was also alluded to that if this happens again they won't be back to clean it up again.

This is the story so far and I'll continue with the updates as they come in.  In the meantime, if you see something, say something before things get out of control!!

Concern has been expressed by residents about a large number of boxes fashioned into a shelter by a homeless person behind Stop and Shop on Grand Avenue.  The structure is near the railroad tracks, is unsafe and a fire hazard.  The inhabitant of this structure also has placed several crosses on the ground, giving the illusion of graves.  COMET suggests you do not enter the alley alongside to attempt to view this scene.  It can safely be viewed from the roof parking lot of the store if curiosity gets the better of you.  Deputy Inspector Green of the 104th Precinct has assured COMET that the situation will be dealt with this week. 

COMET will be hosting COP104 at Maspeth Town Hall on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 at 7:30pm.  Please come out to hear from police representatives and voice your concerns.

Today, the NYPD's Homeless Outreach Unit secured the scene while the NYC Department of Transportation removed the homeless encampments on both the north and south sides of the Long Island Expressway near Hamilton Place.  Neighbors have complained for months about the situation.  The homeless men were not in the camp at the time and no arrests were made.  COMET will continue to monitor the situation and work with city agencies to resolve any future problems.