Deputy Inspector Schiff gave a breakdown of crime statistics for the month, focusing on tips to prevent the various forums of identity theft that have contributed heavily to a 71% escalation in the total of grand larceny incidents within the confines of the 106. Forum photo by Patricia Adams.
The three 106th Precinct Cops of the Month for March earned the honors by doing their part to stem the tide of auto crimes in the area, according to their appreciative commanding officer, who pointed out that he had never bestowed the awards to more than two officers in one month.
“Because we had such a problem, I had to give it to all three,” said Deputy Inspector Jeffrey Schiff. “The whole team did a great job. It was the right thing to do.”
The 106th Precinct Community Council last Wednesday honored March Cops of the Month William Sutherland (far l.), Michael Cusumano (c.) and Andrew Nader (2nd from r.) Joining the officers are precinct brass Deputy Inspector Jefferey Schiff (Cusumano’s l.), commanding officer, and Capt. John Ganley (2nd from l.), the executive officer. Forum photo by Patricia Adams.
Schiff handed out the hardware last Wednesday night at the stationhouse during the monthly meeting of the 106th Precinct Community Council. Officers Michael Cusumano and William Sutherland were recognized for their work in the Anti-Crime Unit in the early morning hours of March 10. The plainclothes cops caught a trio stealing four rims and tires off a vehicle parked on 88th Street near 157th Avenue.
Officer Andrew Nader earned his award, Schiff noted, for his efforts on March 13. Witnesses called 911, describing a two-man team loosening lug nuts in Centreville. One of the allegedly perps, 17-year-old Gerson Lopez, tossed a tire iron as he tried to flee, but Nader caught up to him. Lopez already has a budding criminal history, having been cuffed four times prior to the March incident.
“So there was another team out there,” Schiff said. “This was a great arrest also.”
Schiff said his crew of cops seems to gradually be getting a hold of what he called “a major problem.” Asked how they have tackled the tire-and-rim theft issue, Schiff said it’s been a matter of getting more plainclothes officers out in the communities; but he also stressed the importance of the police-public partnership.
“If you see something, say something,” he said.
By Michael V. Cusenza and Patricia Adams
