PO Youssef returned from vacation and I was able to get the crime stats for the 108th Precinct  Winfield/Woodside area that is adjacent to Maspeth and Elmhurst.   The two reported burglaries sparked my attention.  Rather than just taking jewelry, cash and small items that can easily be hidden in a backpack or pocket, the burglar(s) also removed large items from the residences.  Since most of us live near a precinct border you need to know what is going on a few blocks from your home.

• Items were removed from a residence on 51st Avenue/65th Place.  
• The second residence's basement apartment, located on 48th Avenue/65th Street, was burglarized and items were stolen.

I assume that the perpetrator(s) had a vehicle since he/they would look suspicious carrying large items down the street.  Although these burglaries happened in close proximity to one another, if a vehicle is involved this crook(s) could easily move to other nearby locations in Maspeth and/or Elmhurst.    If you see any person or persons removing large items or other property from a residence and it's not the homeowner, call 911.  If you see a stranger lurking near a driveway, etc. call 911.  Let the police question the individual.  You can't get into trouble if you're mistaken but you may help lower our crime stats and save someone from becoming a victim if you're right.  Most importantly, if you return home and see evidence of a break-in, do not enter and call 911. A burglar could be dangerous when confronted. Please pass this on to your neighbors and friends in the area.  Thanks.   By the way, PO Youssef said the overall crime numbers for the last 28 days in our area are 6 cimes this year compared to 9 crimes last year - a reduction of 33% year-to-date.

A Comet member reports that on Monday, 4/13, her neighbor awoke to find his 2011 Escalade perched on top of four boxes and all four wheels had been removed.  The vehicle was parked on 53rd Avenue at 66th Street.  The neighbor has replaced the tires on the Escalade and had wheel locks installed.  Hopefully this incident was reported to the 104th Precinct.