Greetings to all members of the Juniper Park Civic Association! We hope everyone enjoyed a beautiful, fun, and safe summer here in Middle Village and Maspeth.
Throughout the 104th Precinct, we have had a decrease of overall crime by 14.7% for the year-to-date period and a decrease of 17.6% for the 28-day period. To speak on Middle Village, more specifically, we have seen an overall increase of 1.8% for the year to date. Moving over to Maspeth, we have seen an overall decrease in crime of 14.1% for the year-to-date period. The reduction in crime of both areas is a testament to the incredible work that the 104th Precinct Officers do day in and day out.
We would like to make our neighbors aware that there are significant concerns regarding mail theft and United States Postal Service relay mailboxes. Although we have apprehended several individuals involved in mail theft, we continue to strongly recommend that the public avoid using corner mailboxes. These mailboxes are susceptible to tampering and theft by those seeking to access private information from the mail inside. While it may cause some inconvenience, the safest choice for the public is to visit their local post office and personally hand their mail to a postal employee at the counter. We also urge that the mailboxes located in front of the Post Office be avoided, as they are often targets for theft. If you are mailing checks out, please try to use a gel point “Anti-Fraud” pen. The gel ink used in this type of pen makes it very difficult for the thieves to wash away, it will typically ruin the check making it invalid to cash or deposit.
The NYPD’s Crime Prevention Division is dedicated to keeping the public updated on evolving scams. Scammers often employ a variety of tactics to target unsuspecting individuals. These scams can range from a simple text about an unpaid E-Z Pass toll, an email regarding a missed delivery from a courier, a phone call impersonating the IRS, to an unexpected visit from someone claiming to be a utility representative. Scams can manifest in numerous ways, making it essential to remain vigilant, as appearances can be deceiving. Please remember to never click on any links in a text or email and never give out your personal information. After receiving any call, message, or unexpected visit, it is important to verify directly with the respective company.
This past August, the NYPD and 104th Precinct rolled out our new Quality of Life Team. Q-Teams respond directly to your 311 and non-emergency 911 calls. They can issue summonses, tow problematic
vehicles, and address persistent local conditions such as outdoor drug activity, illegal vending, and homeless encampments. Q-Team officers undergo specialized training on how to respond to quality-of-life concerns.
We would like to thank the Juniper Park Civic Association for sponsoring the concert at this year’s National Night Out Against Crime. This year’s band was School of Rock, and the kids definitely ROCKED! As always, we thank you for your partnership in helping to serve the communities of Maspeth and Middle Village.
