FBI Nabs Astoria Couple

Armed with a federal warrant, FBI agents entered a residence at 31-84 37th St. on February 16, where they arrested an Astoria couple on passport-related charges, authorities said.

An FBI spokesperson said federal agents went to the apartment of Ion Vrancea, who was arrested in connection with the false use of a passport.

When agents entered the residence, they spotted Vrancea and his girlfriend destroying evidence related to the case, the spokesperson said.

Agents also arrested the unidentified girlfriend, who was charged with assisting in the destruction of evidence, authorities said.

Spitting Mad

An Astoria motorist took the low road last month, when he spit at a city Traffic Agent who had just written a summons for his illegally parked vehicle.

The 28-year-old female Traffic Agent was writing the summons on a blue Chevy van parked in front of a fire hydrant on Newtown Avenue at about 2 p.m. on January 24 when the owner approached her, cursed and spit in her face, authorities said.

The motorist then got into the van and peeled off along Newtown Avenue, authorities said.

The Traffic Agent jumped into her vehicle and followed the van, until she lost sight of the vehicle near 33rd Street and 28th Avenue.

Crime Prevention Tips

Crime Prevention officers at the 114th Precinct are offering the following tips to help residents remain crime free:

Recently released statistics show a spike in bicycle related accidents and bike thefts, Crime Prevention Officer John Glynn said.

Cyclists traveling within the confines of the 114th Precinct are reminded to follow laws regulating the use of bicycles, including the use of hand signals and bicycle lanes painted on most streets in the area, Glynn said.

 Bicycle owners are urged to contact the 114th Precinct Crime Prevention Office to register their wheels in an NYPD theft prevention program, Glynn said.

Bicycles registered in the program are issued a sticker that offers proof of ownership, Glynn said. When removed, the sticker leaves the word, “VOID”, indelibly adhered to the bicycle – alerting police and other cyclists that the bike was reported stolen.

The precinct Crime Prevention Office also offers surveys for renters, homeowners and business owners that reveal weaknesses in security at homes, offices and businesses.

Glynn is urging residents and business owners to contact him at the 114th Precinct Crime Prevention Office at 718-626-9324 to arrange for a survey.

“The best way to remain crime free is to remain vigilant, get to know your neighbors and stay alert to suspicious activity in your neighborhood,” precinct officials said.