“The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his mid-20′s between 5’8″ and 5’11″ with a medium build and dark hair. If you see this individual, it is important that you immediately call the NYPD SVU at 1-800-577-TIPS and that you do not approach him.” The NYPost published a sketch released by the NYPD.

She also had some safety tips:
“Remember there is power in numbers; when going out walking, try to walk with friends.
Teach your children to be on the lookout for certain kinds of situations or actions rather than certain kinds of individuals.
Be sure no one is near the entrance of your building before you enter.
Remain alert; individuals on cell phones or wearing headphones are more susceptible to attack as they may appear distracted.”

Finally, she reminds us to look out for one another. If you hear screams or sounds of a struggle, call 911.

Be safe everyone!

December 11, 2008

Dear Neighbor,

It is with regret that I write to inform you of six violent muggings that have occurred in the West Village from November 15th to December 4th. This past Monday, the 6th Precinct formally declared these muggings to be a pattern and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has escalated its response accordingly.

All of the incidents occurred between 11:00PM and 2:45AM, and the majority of the victims were white women. Every time, the victim was approached from behind by two males, hit and then mugged. The attacks occurred on: Waverly and Bank, 11th Street and 7th Avenue, 350 West 14th Street, 30 Christopher Street, 231 West 11th Street, West 4th Street and 8th Avenue.

The 6th Precinct’s Anti-Crime Unit, in conjunction with the NYPD City Wide Robbery Squad have been assigned to the area and will be increasing police presence throughout the West Village.

On December 17th, the 6th Precinct will host its monthly Community Council meeting in the basement of Our Lady of Pompeii Church, located at 25 Carmine Street, at 7:30 PM. Representatives from our office will be in attendance and we encourage you to attend as well.

Please take care to keep yourself, your loved ones and your neighbors safe. Following are a couple important safety tips as recommended by the NYPD to remember when walking outside at night:

* Keep your keys separate from your purse. If your bag is stolen the thief will not have access to your home.
* Never carry a wallet in a rear pocket, use a front trouser or an inside coat pocket.
* When walking with a purse keep it over your shoulder on a short strap with the flap facing your body.
* Minimize the amount of money, credit cards and valuables you carry by only taking items that are necessary for the day. Divide money between your purse/wallet and pockets.
* Be alert when approached by a stranger asking for directions or the time of day. Thieves often use this approach when sizing up their victims.
* When going out in the evening try to walk with a friend; remember there is power in numbers.
* Remain alert; individuals on cell phones or wearing head phones are more susceptible to attack as they may appear distracted.

It is also critical that as a community we look out for one another. Should you hear sounds of a struggle from the street while you are at home, please call 911 to report it.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding safety issues in the West Village, please contact Grey Elam in my District Office at 212-564-7757, ext. 105.

Sincerely,
Christine C. Quinn
Speaker

December 17, 2008

Dear Neighbor,
As you may know, early yesterday morning two men were arrested in connection with the string of violent muggings in the West Village. The two men were spotted on West 4th Street and Bank Street by 6th Precinct plain clothes officers from the Anti-Crime Unit. When the two men fled the officers apprehended them and recovered a firearm. Subsequently, both men were positively identified by a victim. At this time the two individuals have been linked to three of the West Village robberies, one Monday night in the East Village and one in Chelsea.

While we are hopeful that those arrested will be determined responsible for the remaining string of muggings, at this point the investigation is ongoing, and the NYPD is advising the community to continue to act with caution. It is possible that these muggings were committed by more than one group of offenders, which would explain the use of a firearm in some incidents and not others. While we are optimistic that this is not the case, it is still important to remain alert.

The following are some important safety tips to remember when walking outside at night from the NYPD:
* Keep your keys separate from your purse. If your bag is stolen the thief will not have access to your home.
* Never carry a wallet in a rear pocket, use a front trouser or an inside coat pocket.
* When walking with a purse keep it over your shoulder on a short strap with the flap facing your body.
* Minimize the amount of money, credit cards and valuables you carry by only taking items that are necessary for the day. Divide money between your purse/wallet and pockets.
* Be alert when approached by a stranger asking for directions or the time of day. Thieves often use this approach when sizing up their victims.
* When going out in the evening try to walk with a friend; remember there is power in numbers.
* Remain alert; individuals on cell phones or wearing head phones are more susceptible to attack as they may appear distracted.

Additionally, the 6th Precinct has assured my office that they will continue the enhanced police presence in the West Village. I want to thank Deputy Inspector Raymond Caroli and his great team at the 6th Precinct.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding safety issues in the West Village, please contact Grey Elam in my District Office at 212-564-7757, ext. 105.
Sincerely,
Christine C. Quinn
Speaker

A suspect was apprehended (and is out on bail) in the case of the evening mugging, I don’t know the status of the others.

Please be aware, not afraid, but aware.

Thursday Night, May 12th, 11:40 p.m.

An attractive young girl was jumped by 4 men/boys who snatched her purse and ran south on Washington street.

I was walking my dog Nora on the south side of Horatio in the middle of the block between West and Washington, when I saw a single silver high-heeled sandal lying on the sidewalk. As I got closer, a young woman limped towards me from Washington Street to pick it up.

I asked her what happened….she could hardly talk, and said the 4 guys had just jumped her, stolen her purse and ran off. We went to the corner and borrowed a cell phone from a cab driver to call 911.

In the middle of the call, an unmarked police car screeches to a halt, blocking the intersection. Two guys jump out, identify themselves, and persuade the young woman to go with them to identify/catch the purse snatchers. She got in the car and they took off.

I was still on the line with 911 and told them what happened. They said to sign off and I gave the cell-phone back to the cabbie. Everyone around us really pitched in to help.

I have not seen the young woman since nor heard of the outcome of their search.

Thursday night has become a zoo now that we are in the “hot” meat market. Please be careful.