Stay Alert, Stay Safe
To The Editor:

As regards the recent attack on a young woman that took place this past week [August 12], first off, let us wish her a speedy recovery and grant the police Godspeed that the perpetrator is caught ASAP. Second, let us as a community and individuals both, not let this piece of garbage affect our lives more than he already has. This is, thankfully, an aberration; Astoria is one of the safest neighborhoods in New York. Let's keep it that way.

Regardless, if this incident makes people realize that they need to be more aware of their actions and surroundings, some good can come of this. As the Public Safety Chair of Community Board 1, which encompasses our area, I receive daily crime reports from the C.O. of the 114th and the overwhelming majority is in the nature of petty, misdemeanor crimes. One way to keep it like that is for everyone to help law enforcement do their job by taking charge of their situation. The following tips can help us all be safer. As a women's self defense instructor for the past 22 years, some items jump out as simple things we can all do to help ourselves not become victims.

1) Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you; this means not wearing an iPod or similar buds on your ears in the middle of the night.

2) Use a buddy system, if possible, when coming home from the subway. Make friends with fellow travelers you see on a daily basis.

3) Recognize which stores and bars are open late on your route. We will work with the Police Department to make these "Safe Havens" for use in times of emergency This "Safe Corridor" is a proven safety concept.

4) Have the crime prevention officer of the 114th come and do a "Security Survey" of your home and surroundings- it's free and takes little time.

5) For homeowners that are near darkened streets or alleyways- invest in outside sensor lighting that is movement sensitive. This helps you and passersby be safer for very little cost.

6) If you are part of a row of homes that has an open alleyway in back, invest in car gates at each entrance and keep them locked at night. This keeps undesirables out at all times.

7) Join neighborhood community groups such as the Astoria Civic Association or similar groups; come to a community board meeting to know what is happening in your neighborhood. Involved people make better neighbors.

8) If you would like to learn about the many things you can do to make yourself safer on an individual basis, you can attend one of the New York Anti-Crime's "Crime Prevention" seminars, which are geared to urban crime prevention and safety. You can call NYAC to register for their 2-hour seminar at 718-274-4926.

Our elected officials are very concerned about this crime and have offered a reward for the perp's capture. Help them and our police by making yourself a harder target.
Anthony Meloni
New York Anti-Crime Director