114th Precinct Talks Crime Prevention

114th Precinct officials gathered with neighbors, local leaders, civics and lawmakers including NYS Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, on Friday evening, March 10, for a 3-hour seminar on a laundry list of hot-button crime prevention tips and NYPD support initiatives designed to help maintain quality of life and reduce criminal activity within the command.

SCAM ALERT

The seminar included tips on how to identify and prevent being taken in by scammers who threaten the public by phone, in person and through the mail – who may demand immediate payment by victims to avoid arrest or other legal action for bogus reasons.

NEVER give out your Social Security number or other personal information to anyone offering you, or a family member through you, a way out of what seems like a serious legal or law enforcement situation, police said. Hang up, walk away and re­port the incident to police at your local precinct.

PACKAGE THEFT

Always track shipment and delivery data of packages and arrange for delivery when you know you will be at home. If your home or apartment building is equipped with video surveillance, post signs warning crooks of the cameras or ask your su­perintendent or landlord to post signs to deter pos­sible thefts.

TRAFFIC SAFETY PACKAGE

Police at the Astoria Boulevard station-house presented a package of Traffic Safety Tips for mo­torists, pedestrians and cyclists, including a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” such as the New York State Win­dow Law, that prohibits the use of tinted windows that block a clear view inside vehicles,

Modified Mufflers: Officials are expanding the use of “noise cameras” throughout the five bor­oughs to crack down on drivers who tear through local streets in loud, illegally modified vehicles, po­lice said.

The “Sleep Act” sound tracking system, effec­tive since summer 2022, employs a camera with a sound meter that picks up all noises over 85 deci­bels emitted by vehicles within 50-feet, police said. A first offense carries a fine of $800, a second of­fense carries a fine of $1,700 and each additional offense carries a fine of $2,500 for vehicles caught on the visual-audio cameras. Under the Sleep Act, repair shops that make illegal modifications also face stiff fines, authorities said.

114th Precinct officials included information on their highly successful, Illegal Dirt Bike enforce­ment that cracks down on all-terrain vehicles, illegal motorcycles, etc., that endanger motorists and pedestrians by zig-zagging in and out of traffic and sound off in loud decibels.

Other enforcement included double-parked ve­hicles, enforcement of regulations against motorists texting, emailing, chatting and searching on elec­tronic devices while driving; DWI and Drunk Driv­ing crackdowns (including holiday zero-tolerance crackdowns).

The seminar also provided information on:

•The NYPD Patrol Borough Queens North (PBQN) Prom Dress & Attire program. Anyone wishing to donate dresses, suits, etc., for teens who cannot afford proper attire for their prom can donate locally on April 29 at the 114th Precinct station­house.

•Applications and information on employment opportunities as NYPD School Crossing Guards.

•PBQN Shop & Talk Mentor Group for young men – February 22, at 25-35 Astoria Boulevard. Info at 917-288-3587.

•Applications for the NYPD Youth-Leadership Council.

•The NYPD Youth Explorer Program.

•Subway, Bus Safety Tips, elevator safety tips, ATM Safety Tips.

•Prepaid gift card scams.

And more…

Police also offered common sense tips on how to prevent vehicle theft.

•NEVER leave your vehicle running while you stop into a bank, fast food restaurant, etc.

•NEVER leave electronic devices, jewelry, wal­lets, cell phones etc. in view when parking vehicles on the street, in private driveways or other private spaces.

Victims of Domestic Violence are advised of a new hotline, Project Safe at 212-577-7700, where they can seek assistance and relocation.

For more information on NYPD Crime Preven­tion initiatives, the NYPD VIN, Bicycle Etching Programs or the new Catalytic Converter Etching Program or to make an appointment for a free-of-charge NYPD Crime Prevention Survey at your home or business, call the Precinct Crime Preven­tion officer at 718-626-9324.

For information on a wide range of NYPD com­munity outreach programs and projects or for a schedule of 114th Precinct Community Council meetings, call the Community Affairs Officers at 718-626-9327.—Liz Goff