Greetings, Juniper Park Civic Association members! As summer draws to a close, we hope you have all had a wonderful and relaxing season with friends and family. We want to extend our gratitude to every neighbor who volunteered, participated, and joined us for National Night Out. Thanks to your support, this year’s event was our most successful yet. We would also like to highlight the tremendous work that the 104th Precinct Community Council does to keep this cherished tradition alive at Juniper Valley Park.

The 104th Precinct is pleased to report a 7% decrease in overall crime across our command during the recent 28-day period. Year-to-date figures reflect a 7.6% increase. In Middle Village, we observed a minor 2% rise over the 28-day period and an 18.3% increase year-to-date, with the uptick driven primarily by Grand Larceny Auto and Grand Larceny. Maspeth has shown a decrease with an 18.2% reduction in crime over the last 28-day period, despite a 13% increase year-to-date that remains tied to vehicle thefts in the area. We urge all residents to secure their vehicles, lock doors, remove valuables and never leave their keys in the ignition to help us combat these property crimes.

The 104th Precinct continues to urge Juniper Berry readers to spread awareness regarding a recurring jewelry scam affecting many communities across Queens. The scam typically involves a female passenger and a male driver operating an SUV, often bearing out-of-state license plates. The perpetrators generally target elderly residents. They will approach a victim on foot or call them over to their vehicle under the pretense of asking a question, such as requesting directions to a nearby church or hospital. As a “token of appreciation,” the perpetrator will offer to place a necklace around the victim’s neck. During this interaction, the perpetrators then remove the victim’s jewelry before quickly fleeing the scene. Victims often do not realize their personal property has been stolen until many days later. Please share this information with neighbors, friends, and family to help protect our community. If you witness suspicious activity or believe you have encountered these individuals, please contact 911 or the 104th Precinct immediately.

The 104th Precinct remains deeply grateful for the support and collaboration our community provides throughout the year. Public safety and community go hand-in-hand, and our shared successes are a direct result of the active engagement of the community. If you have any questions or neighborhood concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the 104th Precinct Community Affairs Office.