Deputy Inspector Thomas Pascale took the opportunity at the 106 pct Council Meeting last Wednesday to issue a strong warning about the precinct’s policy on fireworks. With the Fourth of July holiday quickly approaching, Pascale reaffirmed the stringent policy his command will enforce along all the tracts in the district notorious for setting off fireworks.
Queens County Clerk, Audrey Pheffer, was in attendance to swear in the council’s board members. She took the time to share the importance of serving on a jury and encouraged those in attendance to comply with their notice of jury duty. “It’s so important that we have enough jurors to insure that everyone gets a trial before their peers.” She went on to joke with council vice-president, Donna Gilmartin, who had been at the courthouse that very morning to begin her service. “Donna came to do her duty, so I’m here tonight to do the swearing in,” she quipped, “one hand washes the other.” Pheffer praised the council for being an active and effective group.
Pascale went on to discuss the impending noise complaints that traditionally accompany summer and the other quality of life issues that arise with the season. In particular he asked that everyone remember and spread the word that the firework policy of the precinct is a very serious protocol. “The Macy’s firework detail is something that pulls cops from virtually every precinct,” said Pascale, “No cops from the 106 are assigned there. They stay here, and that should tell you something.”
He went on to outline the extent of the attention devoted to fireworks in the 106. “We have a very big in-house detail, and there is a big commitment.” The 106 commitment is supported by One Police Plaza, who sends the precinct extra personnel to work on their fireworks initiative. “Our cops know unless it’s your annual vacation time or you have at least twenty years on the job, you’re not taking off on the Fourth.”
He urged those who have any information about the use of fireworks in the neighborhood to please call immediately. “You’ve got to let us know if there’s a crazy house that just keeps blowing off mortars or a guy in a car selling stuff or a house that you think is harboring a large amount of fireworks. Whatever it is,” he pleaded, “you’ve got to let us know.” Pascale reminded everyone that such reports are confidential. Last year, he said, the precinct did very well in terms of firework confiscation and arrests for selling and detonating fireworks.
Further discussion revealed an 8% rise in crime overall in the precinct since last year which has been driven up by burglaries, for the most part occurring during the daytime in residential areas. The Inspector made clear the fact that there are steps which can be taken by residents in the affected areas, primarily in South Ozone Park and the section between Aqueduct and Lefferts Boulevard, where there are typically homes with prayer flags outside their doors. The flags signify that the homeowners have cultural and religious practices, which make their homes a target for thieves expecting to find valuables.
Some concerned residents questioned the Inspector as to whether there was any patterning or other features they could look out for. Pascale gave one typical scenario that is leading up to many of these incidents. Three men in a car will case the neighborhood and one will get out and walk down the block in search of a target. He will knock on the front door to see if anyone answers. When there is no response at the door, the other two accomplices exit the vehicle and go around the back of the house to kick the door in and rob the house.
Another reason for the escalation in home robberies is what is commonly known as a deception robbery. This is where people misrepresent themselves as utility workers or drivers for delivery companies in trying to gain access to the house. In any scenario, residents are urged not to open the door to someone they do not know or do not expect and to make sure that they do not allow entrance to their homes by unauthorized people. Obviously keeping doors and windows locked is mandatory.
Anyone with knowledge of illegal fireworks is asked to call 911 for crimes in progress and 311 in order to provide information.
By Patricia Adams
