A Smashing New Year in the Hill?

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From a reader: My wife and I moved to CH this past summer, we live in North Campus of the Co-Ops and walking the dog the last couple of days on Waverly and Vanderbilt between Willoughby and Myrtle I have seen 8 cars with smashed windows. Luckily my parents' old Ford Taurus which I borrowed for the holidays was left unmolested but the car in front and behind were hit. I know the holiday season sees an increase in this kind of crime but it still seems a little odd. I know you post 88th precinct stats occasionally. I was wondering if you had noticed this, if anyone else has commented.

I haven't seen any of this personally, but has anyone experienced this recently? Waverly is awfully quiet at night, and I imagine it would be a prime locale for mischief like this.

Christmas Eve Shooting

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I wanted to do a post or two from Buffalo, but my Dad's Internet was down (!!!!!!). I was less than pleased. I am sad to say that the first news I received when returning home was about a horrible Christmas Eve shooting outside of 121 Lefferts Place. Here are a few links to the info:

ny sun

wcbs

ny daily news

fox

The reader who notified me walked past the scene after it happened, describing it as "gruesome."

Isn't this near where the prostitution hotel was shut down? As I recall, this isn't the safest corner in the area.

Sincere condolences to the families of these boys.

BREAKING NEWS: Shooting at Reign Nightclub!

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shooting at reign nightclubI went for an ambitious jog this afternoon and decided to huff it up to Wallabout and pop into RePop. When I got to Washington and Park, however, the street was blocked off with orange tape. I walked under the tape and continued on to RePop, which was open. Just past the store, the rest of the block was closed off with yellow crime scene tape. Apparently, there was a late-night shooting at Reign Lounge (46 Washington just south of Flushing).  No news yet posted anywhere.  Anyone have more information?

Vigilance Recommended!

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Received this note from a reader, reminding us all to remain aware of neighborhood crime: I live in an apartment on Lefferts Place near Grand. I wanted to let you and your readers know about an incident that took place in our building on Friday night/early Saturday morning.

I left my apartment at 7:30 am on Saturday morning and found a puddle of urine and a used condom on the landing outside my door. There was some sort of drug baggie, cigarette butts, and a coffee cup on the stairs on other floors. The front door and gate were wide open when I left in the morning. I've only lived in the building for a year but there haven't been any incidents like this so it was obviously quite disturbing. Although I've been aware that there is a certain amount of drug activity, etc. in the neighborhood, I've felt safe living here and was really shocked by how bold this was. I was home sleeping at the time and it was pretty scary to think that this happened while a building full of people were sleeping.

I guess I just wanted to let some fellow Clinton Hill residents know as a reminder to be extra vigilant of security issues. I wouldn't want anyone else to encounter to a similar situation or worse if it can be avoided. It certainly was a wake up call for me.

88th Precinct Meeting TONIGHT

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FROM SCH: There is a Precinct Council meeting tonight, 7:30 pm, at Teen Challenge, 444 Clinton Ave., between Gates and Greene.

This is a good opportunity to talk to the precinct officers. You can raise issues, ask questions and learn more about what is going on.

The Society for Clinton Hill was very disappointed in the lack of police presence for our Halloween Walk Oct. 31, for example....and for the House Tour as well. On Halloween night there were thousands of young children in costume crossing streets and watching the play at 313 Clinton Ave. At one point a large group of motorcyclists came speeding down Clinton Ave. going right past #313 where there were people in the street and filling the sidewalks. Where were the police? They said they would be out and about, but no one we know saw a single car or officer. These kinds of things and others as well, need to be addressed.

We can report that the president of PUPS and her German shepphard Tim were out walking yesterday when they saw a mugger shove a woman, grab her purse and run. They both took out running after the mugger yelling to him to drop the purse or the dog would ....well, you know...try to get the purse back. The mugger looked back at Tim, who is a serious looking dog, and threw the purse down and ran. The owner, the muggee, the police officers, and yes, Tim, were all very proud of this local dog who did good.

If you don't have man's best friend, there are many shelters with wonderful dogs just waiting to take care of you....ASPCA, Animal Care and Control, and others.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Remember, no general meeting in December.

White Castle Robbed!

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From the NYT: Brooklyn: Pair Sought in Two Robberies By MICHAEL WILSON Published: October 8, 2007

Two robbers armed with a handgun held up a storage facility in Prospect Heights and a fast-food restaurant in Clinton Hill yesterday, the police said. The first robbery occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m., when two men, dressed in dark clothes and caps, entered Storage Deluxe at 945 Atlantic Avenue and stole cash, the police said. The amount stolen was not disclosed yesterday. About 15 minutes later, a pair believed to be the same two men robbed a White Castle at 531 Myrtle Avenue of an undisclosed amount of cash, the police said.

Daytime Crime

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Received this note from a reader: Last night, I had a non-violent encounter at S Oxford and Lafayette. A young kid was jogging by and tried to snag my cell phone. Broad daylight, tons of people around. He didn't get it but he did manage to snap it in half and make off. I filed a police report and the office told me it happens often and that there are a number of these incidents in our neighborhood.

I myself know of two such instances, though they took place at least a year ago. First, a teen grabbed a friend's iPod as he exited the G train, also in broad daylight. Two joggers stopped the kid, retrieved the iPod and convinced my friend to just let the kid go. Two winters ago, another friend was mugged in broad daylight in Fort Greene, on the afternoon of a snowstorm. The culprits, a male and female, took off with some credit cards and a cell phone, after punching my friend in the face.

I know we live in a big city, and that crime can take place anywhere and anytime. Though it's unnerving to hear about stuff that happens in the middle of the day when other people are around. Just a note to be aware of your surroundings.

Meetings & Events in the Hood

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Mark your calendars, and attend if you can: 1.   88th Precinct Meeting with Police Commissioner Ray Kelly

Tues., 4/17/07, 7:30 pm, St. Luke's Church, Washington Ave. between DeKalb/Willoughby

Everyone welcome.  Your opportunity to raise questions about crime, safety, etc.

2.  Rally against demolition of historic buildings for contractor parking

Wed., 4/18/07, 8:00 am, Flatbush/Atlantic Ave.

Everyone invited.  Show the powers that be that demolition should be prevented until the law suits are settled.

3.  Town Hall Meeting with Councilperson, Letitia James

Wed., 4/18,07, 7:30 pm, St. Luke's Church, Washington Ave. between DeKalb/Willoughby

Learn about the 16 story building proposed for Washington Avenue behind Kum  Kau Restaurant.  This building would extend from Washington to Hall.  The proposed building is out of scale for this 3-4 story brownstone block and not compatible with the proposed Wallabout Historic District or the proposed zoning change.

4.  Huge side-walk sale on Clinton Avenue between Myrtle and Greene Ave., Sat., 4/21/07.

5.  Society for Clinton Hill House Tour Tickets:  available at the Farmer's Market, Tillie's, Outpost, Pillow Café, Sister's Hardware, YU Interiors, Choice. $20 advance sale.

5.  Brooklyn Friends of Chamber Music Recital

Sun., 4/22/07, 3 pm, Lafayette Presbyterian Church, Lafayette/So.Oxford St., $15 at the door.  Information and advanced tickets: 718-855-3053

Info Sought in Hit-and-Run!

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On Saturday morning around 7am, motorcyclist Monica Henk was struck by a black SUV at the intersection of Kent and Flushing. The driver fled the scene. Police now believe the car involved in the accident is a 95-97 Black Chevy S-10 Blazer. It is missing the front bumper from the accident, and one of the headlights was smashed out. Per 1010Wins:

The search continued Tuesday for the driver who ran down a female motorcyclist in a hit-and-run accident in Brooklyn over the weekend.

Monica Henk's ex-husband, tattoo artist Dan Henk, said she's essentially brain dead.

Henk is devastated, and said the couple separated after five years but are still the best of friends. Henk said his ex-wife was on her way to class at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music at the time of the accident.

"Her entire family has signed documents to turn off life support, they are waiting for the hospital to process the request. All efforts are being focused on finding the hit and run driver. The amount of the reward is continually raised as donations pour in, but so far it exceeds $4,000," Dan Henk said in a statement.

The accident took place in the Clinton Hill neighborhood Saturday morning.

The 25-year-old was riding a Yamaha southward on Kent Avenue when she was struck by a black SUV travelling east on Flushing Avenue shortly after 7 a.m.

The SUV sped away and Henk, of Williamsburg, was rushed to Woodhull Hospital where she remains.

If you have any information about this accident or the vehicle in question, please contact Dan Henk at (917) 554-1341 or call New York State Crimestoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. There is a reward from Dan & Monica’s family for any information leading to the arrest and capture of the hit & run driver.

This is such a terrible tragedy.  Please help out if you have any information.

Second lesson to be learned from break-ins

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So, I called the 88th Precinct and said, have you heard about the rash of break-ins lately and have you done anything about it? (I used the word "rash" because it seems like there have been a lot based on the comments.) And the officer informed me that when lots of people call to report break-ins, they do put more cops on the street or in cars patrolling the street to stop them. But people don't always report them... so it continues to happen. And he wasn't aware of any "rash" of break-ins, which tells me people are being too quiet about it. So, if your car has been broken into, or you know someone whose car has been broken into, have them report it. The number is 718-636-6511.

Car break-ins

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It goes without saying that if you park your car on the street, you're opening yourself up to the possibility of a break-in. When I first moved to the hood, I saw few fancy cars parked on Washington, but as the years went on I began to see nice wheels like Land Rovers parked overnight. Which gives the impression that it's safe to leave a nice car on the street in Clinton Hill. But this week, a woman I know on Irving Pl. had her car broken into. Granted, it's a Beamer, but it made me wonder: did I have a false illusion of safety? Was this a fluke? Or is it just that as you get further from the heart of CH and closer to Bed-Stuy, you've got to be on your guard more? Has anyone else been broken into lately, or heard of someone who has? One lesson to be learned from all this (aside from garaging your car) is that the people (or person) who broke in only took that case that houses the user's manual for the car, presumably thinking she kept her spare key in there, which some people do (though she didn't thankfully). But she did keep her insurance, title and registration in it. Perhaps not the best place for those things.

Mystery of the Missing Plants

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Brooklyn Record recently posted a story about landscaping in Clinton Hill being stolen. I hadn't heard about this before, but regular commenter 'houseowax' confirmed that he, too, has been a victim: SOMEONE actually STOLE the tree out of our planter yesterday afternoon! While we were home and in broad daylight!! Apparently ( according to my neighbor) there was a rash of flora pilfering a few years back; people were reluctant to plant anything! GRRRRRR. If you see our tree, a topiary cypress around 4 ft tall- gimme a shout. Someone needs an asskicking!

WTF?

BTW, according to Google Images, a topiary cypress could look something like this Here is an actual photo of the stolen tree:

missingtree.jpg

Meetings Tonight

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1. Cases to be heard on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006 by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Everyone welcome. Sign in to testify. 1 Center St., Municipal Building, Manhattan, 9th floor. Go to www.nyc.gov/html/lpc to see complete schedule. 12 noon 447-449 Clinton Ave. Application to add extension to Waverly Ave. Carriage House, excavate back yard and add iron work on roof of carriage house.

12:30 pm 173 St. James Place Application to demolish existing 2-story 1850 house damaged by fire and replace it with a large 4-story building.

2:15 pm 473 Clinton Ave. Application to modify work done without permits. Addition at top to be modified. Facade to be modified. Front yard/area way to be excavated to expose cellar door and wall.

2. Next 88th Precinct Council Meeting - Everyone welcome to meet with the police to discuss issues of crime and areas that need attention.

Tuesday, November 21, 7:30 pm, Seventh Day Adventist Church, 88 Hanson Place.

Another Shooting in the 88th!

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Per NY1: Man Killed In Early Morning Shooting In Brooklyn September 02, 2006

A 26-year-old man died after being shot multiple times on Carlton Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

A 19-year-old and a 14-year-old were also both shot in the leg.

Police will only say they are in stable condition at Bellevue.

[thanks to reader Guy, who posted a link to this, from the NY Times]

Man Is Killed Outside Deli in Brooklyn; 2 Are Injured By CARA BUCKLEY Published: September 3, 2006

A 26-year-old Brooklyn man was killed early yesterday by a spray of bullets that also wounded two teenagers who were bystanders, the police said.

The man who died, Angel Durant, was shot several times at 12:26 a.m. in front of a deli at 137 Carlton Avenue in Fort Greene and was pronounced dead at Brooklyn Hospital Center an hour later, according to the police.

Seven bags of crack cocaine were found in his pockets, the police said.

A 19-year-man who happened to be walking by heard the shots and then realized he had been hit in the left leg, the police said. The man, whose name was not released, was in stable condition yesterday at Bellevue Hospital Center.

Another bullet pierced the wall of the deli and hit Mohammed Jaber, 14, in his right thigh. Mohammed's father, Jamal Jaber of Park Slope, said that his family was returning from a wedding and stopped at the deli, which is owned by Mr. Jaber's sister, for ice cream.

Mohammed was checking the score of the Yankees game on his aunt's laptop computer when the family members heard eight shots, Mr. Jaber said.

They ducked behind the counter, according to Mr. Jaber, and then Mohammed said, "Dad, I think I've been hit."

He was also taken to Bellevue, but his father said that his injuries were not serious and that he was expected to be released soon.

Mr. Durant lived on Bergen Street in Crown Heights but grew up in Fort Greene. Christella Smith, who lives near the scene of the shooting, said that he was "a good kid from a good mother."

Yesterday evening, mourners lighted candles and laid handwritten notes on the sidewalk where Mr. Durant, who was nicknamed Free, was shot. "The hood will always miss you," one note read.

Through Aug. 13, six murders were recorded this year in the 88th Precinct, which includes Fort Greene, compared with none in the same period last year.

Um. This is disconcerning. WTF?

Shooting on Myrtle

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As Our Lady Mess pointed out there was indeed a shooting on Myrtle Avenue on Friday, August 25th, around 11pm. According to a source on the Willoughby Walk Co-Op's building security, which patrols the buildings across from Los Pollitos III where the incident occurred, the shooting happened when a Garbage truck driver asked a car to move. The driver of the car refused so the Garbage truck driver pulled out a gun and shot him.

That's the story as it was told to me. I'm still trying to get more information on this incident but it didn't seem to make the papers.

Anyone have any additional information on this?

[Lesterhead's comment: Why was the garbage man carrying a gun on the job??]

Crime Alert

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Seems like there was a robbery at the corner of Washington and DeKalb Avenue tonight. The scary parts of this incident was that: It was an armed robbery.

It was only 9:30pm.

The assailants were extremely young.

Now, please note that I did not witness the actual events. I was walking home when I noticed a Police car parked the other way and various personal contents on the ground.

From what I could gather briefly from the victim and some people who were in the area when it happened it sounded like the victim, a teenage Puerto Rican male around High School age, was approached by 3 even younger Black teens with one of the attackers pulling a small handgun out and shoving it into his stomach.

I guess some screaming/shouting occurred and someone on the street quickly called the Police.

Luckily no one was seriously hurt.

One of the witnesses indicated another recent incident where a young Pratt student was recently robbed in the same manner in the same vicinity.

A quick look at the 88th Precinct Crime statistic indicates crime being down but with the students at Pratt returning, Freshmen orientation seemed to have occurred this week, I'm expecting a slight increase.

(Some of those Freshman just don't have a clue about living in a big city.)

With all the development going on this could be a backlash effect as a lot of people who have lived in this area for a long time are suddenly being priced out of their own neighborhood.

(As the nice Mexican restaurant opens up the McDonald's closes across the street...)

Just a little head's up for everyone as I got a feeling it's gonna get worse before it gets better.