Capt. Thomas Conforti addressed a number of critical concerns from residents including those about the burglary spree, parking and traffic concerns and the installation of security cameras funded by Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz.
About 100 concerned residents attended the second public safety meeting sponsored by the 112th pct.. Community council in a month. The first meeting on April 2, was held in response to the burglary spree which plagued the neighborhood and resulted in 14 burglaries spread out a period beginning in February.
But this month’s meeting, held at PS 174, opened with the news that a suspect in the burglaries had been apprehended and that there had been no further incidents since his arrest.
Career criminal Paul Hisler, a 49-year-old resident of the Forest Hills community was taken into custody after police matched up his DNA to a crime scene.
Published reports say that Hisler tried to escape after his arrest, and that he allegedly pushed a table into a detective that was questioning him and tried to make a run for it. Court documents concerning the incident say that Hisler threw wild punches at the detective, who tried to restrain him. The pair wound up entwined on the ground before they were brought under control.
Although police believe there might be others involved in perpetrating the burglaries, there have been no reported incidents since the arrest was made. According to a Facebook page recently introduced by the 112th Precinct Community Council, Capt. Thomas Conforti, Commanding Officer of the 112, has asked that the community remain vigilant and continue to call in anything they think is suspicious. The captain has emphasized the fact that he does not feel that the suspect was working alone.
Conforti also shared that in his personal conversation with the suspect he learned that the criminal not only knew about the burglary condition, but was following updates on his computer.
Heidi Harrison Chain, president of the 112 Council reminded those in attendance on Monday night that the captain was correct when he told residents at the last meeting that the burglaries were being committed by someone who lived in the area and who had an arrest record.
A public safety brochure on burglaries was handed out to each and every person in attendance at the meeting. It was compiled by Chain and Capt. Conforti in an attempt to address many issues of concern by residents.
The brochure contained helpful information about a wide range of topics including recommendations on taking an inventory of the valuables in your home, to watching for activity around your house and your neighbors. The manual also offers instructions on how to properly identify a suspect and a vehicle for police.
Advice was also offered on doors, locks and windows. Officers from the NYPD were on hand to register residents for free home security evaluations performed by the NYPD community affairs bureau. The booklet also contains a test from the Community Affairs Bureau that will show homeowners what type of grade they would receive for security conditions at their house.
Although the primary consideration revolved around the burglaries, Councilmember Karen Koslowitz was on hand to praise the police for their work in making the arrest and for their continued efforts to address all of the community’s concerns. Capt. Conforti reminded the crowd that Koslowitz has secured $500,000 for the installation of security cameras within her district slated to be installed later in the year.
By Patricia Adams
