Crime Map

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Several months ago, Leticia James mentioned an interactive crime reporting map at an anti-crime rally. I finally figured out where it is -- the Society for Clinton Hill website! I've included it in the blogroll under "Important Contacts." It's currently on the SCH homepage, and can also be accessed at its permalink.

It looks pretty cool, and incidents can be categorized in different ways (violent crimes, theft, and even street/quality of life problems such as potholes). This map was set up for the purpose of accurate crime reporting and information sharing. Use it!

Long-Time Scammer Still on the Loose

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Received this email this morning: Just wanted to let you know and to have you spread the word that this guy is among us!  He gave my friend and I the whole story on Ryerson today and we unfortunately gave him a few bucks. We didn't believe it so we looked it up and it seems he has been doing this in other areas for a while. Just trying to get the word out.

The guy she's referring to delivers a believable-ish spiel about how his mother has just had a stroke while driving and crashed her car.  He needs money for a tow truck and it's an emergency.  He also claims to work in film/tv and offers to get you tickets to Letterman, or some rock concert.

He definitely approached me once and I honestly didn't have any cash on me.  When he suggested I go to the ATM, I got creeped out and left.

A sneaky Daily Heights reader snapped this photo of him:

It's really unfortunate that guys like this prey on our neighborhood.  I have no problem with helping someone in need, but sometimes it's hard to know when someone's legit (and sometimes it's glaringly obvious!).

Cabbie Shot

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Most of you have probably already seen this, but a cab driver was shot in the face early yesterday morning at Lafayette and Franklin. Some disturbing information has been updated, including that the suspects are three young women who hopped in the taxi on Flatbush Ave in Fort Greene, and the driver may lose both of his eyes.

Robbing someone is one thing, and it's wrong.  But imagining a group of young women acting so violently, in a way that prevents the driver from returning to his livelihood, really disgusts me.  What the fuck goes through people's heads?  It is worth a few bucks to ruin someone's life?

I try to stay neutral here in this space, but I just feel so bad that someone in our community did something like this to an innocent person.

(Also, can't find a single piece of info in the news about the shooting on Myrtle and Washington Pk!)

Links:

ABC News

Gothamist

Fear-Mongering and Crime

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It can be very difficult to run a neighborhood blog when different readers want different things out of it. When I post about crime, commenters accuse me of fear-mongering. When I DON'T post about it, people demand that I do. I don't know how many readers sent me the now neighborhood-infamous link in the NY Times about the crime increase in Clinton Hill. I've been thinking about it all week, and I think it's important to circulate this news. I am going to try to refrain from any comments such as "OMG!!!" Yes, we live in a large city and we should be vigilant no matter where we are. A person can be mugged on Grand Avenue, or on Park Avenue on the UES.

As for the bank robbery, maybe I'm naive, but I really didn't realize it was all that common on a daily basis. I guess I assume it would be pretty damn scary to be in a bank when it happened.

So, without further ado, and in the spirit of keeping readers informed of what has happened, I give you the following:

  • Increased muggings in CH [NY Times]
  • Bank of America on Myrtle was held up just days after the CitiBank holdup
  • Pratt Community Alerted to Crime [Brownstoner]
  • Emails detailing continued blatant drug dealing on Grand Ave.
  • Email from a Waverly Ave landlord alerting tenants that a fellow resident was car-jacked

Maybe we're just more aware of all this because Clinton Hill, unlike any other NYC neighborhood I've lived in, is a place where people know their neighbors. Crime or no crime, let's just watch out for one another. K?

Press Conference Recap

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In case you didn't read through the comments on yesterday's post regarding the crime-related press conference, reader C-hill attended and posted a thorough recap: Well I just got home from the press conference and although I want to remain hopeful, immediate help in the form of increased police presence will not be happening soon.In addition to Leticia James, a board member from The Clinton Hill Society, Deputy Borough president of Bklyn and 2 88th pct officers were present .Also in attendance was the landlord of the corner building were the last shooting occured along with a handful of residents. The immediate solution is the design of a website to track crimes in the community.Leticia James urged residents to report these crimes via website so they can be tracked because according to the 88th pct, there is nothing wrong in the community. There data doesnt support an increase in violent crimes that warrants additional officers but even if it did, there are no officers to assign. None were assigned to the 88th from the last class and with officers retiring, well you get the point.They are understaffed. Ms James also stated that she urged design and construction to expedite matters in completing the road construction so that traffic will return to normal but after speaking to one of the workers, I was advised that the end is not till Sept the earliest.Bleek news all around.Assaults, drive by shootings, and homicides have occured in the last 4 months.Since help isnt coming, stay alert and do your best to be the eyes and ears of the community. Look for the website and report incidents without fear of retribution.Things have got to improve.Let’s hope that the Mayor responds to Ms James call for assistance. She did note that since the protests in Crown Heights, additional officers were provided. Maybe that is what we as a community have to do as well.

I admire Ms. James' ideas for developing our own solutions, but who is going to run this website and how will we get the word out to everyone in the neighborhood? (To my dismay, I realize that not everyone reads CHB!) If an elderly woman gets mugged, is she going to log her crime onto a website? Probably not.

UPDATE: Woahhhh, just saw this on Brownstoner!!!  Interesting, isn't it, how the cops get fired up only when one of their own has been shot at?

EMERGENCY PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY!

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The latest neighborhood shooting (at Putnam and Grand) seems to have sparked a call to action. (thank god) This just in from SCH:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 20, 2008

CLINTON HILL CONSTITUENTS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, AND COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES HOLD EMERGENCY PRESS EVENT TO DISCUSS SOLUTIONS FOR UPSURGE OF CRIME IN BROOKLYN

Council Member Letitia James, along with Clinton Hill constituents are holding an emergency press event, Wednesday, May 21, at 4 PM to bring attention to the increase of gun violence and crime in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.

The group plans to discuss short term strategic solutions, which include more police presence in the area, as well long term solutions that involve improving economic development on Fulton Street, and the creation of a website for constituents to collect and track crime data.

What: Emergency Press Conference to Address Criminal Activity in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

When: Wednesday, May 21st at 4:00 PM

Where: Corner of Grand Avenue and Putnam Avenue (if rain - the event will move to the Fort Greene Senior Center located at 966 Fulton Street). Subway: C train to Clinton-Washington stop * exit Washington Avenue onto Fulton Street * walk towards Grand Avenue on Fulton

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

4pm, when most people can't go.  At least the politicos are acknowledging the problem, but what will be done in terms of action?

Rapper Killed on Fulton Street Yesterday

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fulton street fish From Gothamist:

Leval Lyde, a 36-year-old Brooklyn rapper who went by the street name "Kevlar," was gunned down yesterday on the corner of Clinton Ave. and Fulton St. in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn. Lyde was shot just before 5 p.m. on the street corner and declared dead on arrival at Brooklyn Hospital. Lyde had just exited Fish & Crustaceans Quality Seafood and was walking with his sandwich towards the maroon Jaguar (owned by the mother of his child) when he was shot once in the torso.

The NY Times describes the rapper of little renown as a holdover from Fort Greene's grittier days, and sees his killing as a foil for the transformation that has occurred in recent years. "The shooting was a reminder of rougher times in Clinton Hill, where gentrification has turned crack houses into wine bars." They quoted one resident who noticed the crime scene tape only after observing that a new French restaurant had opened on the block. He figured it must have been an accident and was surprised to hear that there had been a murder.

Info from the NYT here.

WTF???? A murder at 5pm on Fulton? Could this be related to the gunfire on Lexington a few days ago?  OMG!

Another Teen Crime

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From a reader: I was walking towards Myrtle on Clinton (between Dekalb and Willoughby) this afternoon around 3 when someone tried to take my purse. I held on to it as I turned around and it was a group of 6 to 10 kids. I tried fighting back but then they knocked me down to the ground and started kicking me. Fortunately, a gentleman crossed the street and scared them off. He helped me up and waited until I told him I was ok before he left. But then a girl, who said saw the whole thing, told me that the same kids did the same thing to a guy walking a dog on Clinton Ave. last night. She recommended I write you thinking maybe with enough complaints, something could get done.

I did call the cops, and they did come by and told me they would be looking for them. These kids were just out of school with nothing to do and, without a cop in sight, decided maybe they could get a quick buck. I've been in this neighborhood for the last 8 years and been mugged and beaten now 4 times. I understand the cops have better things to do, but these kids were not older than 16 (thankfully, otherwise I don't think I would have fared as well), and if given the opportunity, may grow up to commit the same, if not worse crimes to someone else.

Again, more crime committed by what seems to be a restless group of teens. How can we get the cops to patrol during after-school hours?  And as for the part about cops "having better things to do," I disagree.  I'd say making our streets safe DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS is a pretty main responsibility.

Easter Shooting on Lexington

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This just in from a reader: I just witnessed a shooting on my corner about an hour ago, Lexington and Classon. Young black man in black jacket and sock hat fired 4 rounds at another black male who was running East up Lexington (towards Bed-Stuy). Silver revolver, probably a .357 or .45. Got into a white late-model Toyota Corolla or something similar, driven by another black male in a sock hat.

I called the police and told them what I saw. There were 15 cops on the corner in under 10 minutes.

Jeez!!! At least the cops came in a timely manner. And props to this witness, who was able to provide a good description to the cops.

Another crazy crime post coming tomorrow...

June: Closed for Now

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Not sure how long June (on Dekalb) has been closed, but it looks like it will reopen tonight. library-6699.jpg

I think I heard about one robbery, but it sounds like there have been several.

June is one of those strange restaurant phenomenons -- it always looks pretty empty. I'm starting to wonder if size matters. For some reason, bigger places seem to remain empty.

Shooting on Vanderbilt and Gates

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This blog seems to be awfully crime heavy lately. Let's hope it's just coincidence. This email just in at the CHB inbox:

Hi Lesterhead, Just wondering if you've heard anything about a shooting on Vanderbilt (around Gates) late Thursday night. Cops came by our place asking for info since we face the street and we didn't even hear shots so we must have slept through it. Scary!

Anyone have more information?

Hold Up at Mario's

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The Brooklyn Paper is reporting that Mario's Pizza on Waverly near Greene was robbed on January 30 around 5pm. Seems to be a rash of crime around this time in the 'hood lately, and I'm none too happy about it.  Especially since I often hit up Mario's for a quick slice.

(FYI, the BK Paper is a great resource for news tidbits and police blotter info!)

Unsettling Crime

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Received this ominous story last week: I live in Clinton Hill on Lexington Ave. near where the avenue ends at Grand. I am very fond of my neighborhood and have felt relatively safe walking around in it for the year and a half I've lived here. Unfortunately, I was attacked last Thursday early evening by a group of teenagers and no longer feel as safe. It was 6:15pm and I was crossing Lexington Ave just 50 feet from my own front door as a group of teenagers rushed up from behind, grabbed me, and began beating me. I am lucky. There was a man parked in an SUV very near who got out of his truck and began yelling at the kids. As he did this I was able to get to my feet and the teens all ran back down Lexington turning left and running further down Grand. The man who came to my aid made sure I was ok before leaving the scene. I escaped with no broken bones or stitches but there is significant bruising, swelling, and soreness, medical bills to be payed, and of course the sense of uneasiness that comes with being assaulted (in front of your own apartment!). I filed a police report at Precinct 88 the next day and the detectives (who were very helpful-btw) tell me that this is not an isolated incident and that there have been a few reports of late in and around Clinton Hill with similar circumstances carried out by a group of teenagers. I am a semi-regular reader of your blog and find it informative. I thought this might be something you and or your readers might like to be aware of as well.

It is extremely unsettling to hear about this -- a guy who gets jumped very early in the evening for no apparent reason just steps from his apartment. I'd never think to be wary of my surroundings at 6:30pm.  I try to stay away from crazed rants (aside from Adelphi Station), but dude!  Who raises kids who think beating up a random man is OK?!  Have they no concept of consequences?

Shooting Near Banneker School

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Email from a block association: I was informed today by Beuford Smith that there was a shooting incident recently in our neighborhood on Clinton Avenue in front of the Banneker School. Apparently there was a “disagreement” with two young fellows (one not a student at the school itself) ending with a shooting in front of the school. The young man who did the shooting was caught by the police.

I would recommend that you try and attend the 88th Precinct Youth Community Council Meeting this upcoming Tuesday January 15th at St. Mary’s Church (corner of Classon/Willoughby) starting at 7:30PM. You may question the police during this meeting and ask for additional information. Plus a show of strength from our block would demonstrate our real concern for what is going on. This is an extremely serious matter. Guns being fired in our neighborhood, in my opinion, are a step back for all of us.

I know there have been a lot of crime-related posts, but I'm posting them as more of a call to vigilance as opposed to a reason to panic. Be aware, inform your neighbors and let's nip this trend in the bud.

Upcoming Community Meetings

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88th Precinct Council Meeting January 15, Tuesday, 7:30 pm St. Mary’s, 230 Classon Ave., enter on Willoughby Ave.

These meetings are an important opportunity for you to find out what is happening in the neighborhood re crime and to voice your concerns and raise questions. It would be helpful to have a good representation of neighbors there in preparation for our meeting later in the week.

Community Board 2, Public Hearing, Tuesday, January 15, 2008, 6:15 pm, St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, first floor Board Room. The hearing will address the application by Pequena Restaurant to construct an enclosed sidewalk café with 7 tables and 16 seats at 86 South Portland Avenue. This hearing will give you an opportunity to see what restaurants have to do to have sidewalk cafes and will allow you to comment.

Community Board 2, Land Use Committee meeting Wednesday, January 16, 6 pm, Polytechnic University, Dibner Library, Room LC400, 5 Metro Tech Center, near Jay St./Borough Hall stop on C line.

Meeting is open, but non-committee members are observers only.

Fort Greene Association February Meeting Monday, February 25, 7:30 pm Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church, Lafayette at So. Oxford St.

Everyone is invited to come and hear about the week of events and celebrations honoring the 100th anniversary of the Martyr’s Monument in Fort Greene Park. The Fort Greene Park Conservancy (FGPC) is hosting a week of events in early fall which will refresh people’s memory of the critical history of the park and the monument, which David McCullough, author of 1776, has called one of our “most sacred historical sites.” FGPC will introduce a new musical work produced just for this event. There will be historical re-enactments, grand parties and a gala ball, the unveiling of the restored monument and other park improvements, and much, much more. Ruth Goldstein, event chairperson, will tell you about all that is planned and how you can get involved.

Identity Theft: Beware!

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Received this from a reader: I just called the 88th precinct to tell them someone stole my social security # and DOB to apply for a credit card in my name. And they said that I was the second person to call them this morning, in the same area (I'm on the CH/BS border), to report the same thing. So someone is in the Clinton Hill-Bed-Stuy area, rifling through mail and stealing idenitities. I'm awful about shredding so I'm sure they got it from some past bill or something.

In any case, Discover card actually has the address of the person who filed the application in my name, but they can't release it to me. I had to alert the credit bureaus that I'm a victim of identity theft (the # is 1-800-525-6285 -- the alert then appears on all three credit agencies for 90 days), and when I get my credit report, I can then bring it to the police station and file a report. The police then take it from there (tho who knows if they will).

But clearly, there's a trend in the hood, and the more people who are aware of it the better.

Pass it on.

If this happens to you, please report it right away! And don't forget to shred your discarded mail.

Insanity at the Ch Co-Ops Ths Afternoon

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I left my apartment around 4:30, only to find the entire CH Co-Ops complex at Lafayette surrounded by cops and armored cars and police tape. I was allowed to leave the property, but no one was being allowed in. Of COURSE, no cop would tell me what was going on, but I received this info from a reader: don't know if you saw/heard the commotion. there was a guy with a gun in 365 [Clinton Ave] threatening to kill himself. it caused a huge police response and people weren't allowed entrance into the area for at least an hour. they've let us in now so i assume they've gotten the guy.

allthough clinton from lafayette to greene was closed off and there were tons of those police tank-like cars all along the block and tons of cops, they let me leave the building with my dogs, but then wouldn't let me return 2 seconds later because it wasn't safe. if it wasn't safe why did they let me come out of the bldg to begin with? they made it seem like the guy could start shooting at any second (the cops had been ordered to take cover), but i don't understand how a guy with a gun in 365 could pose a threat to those at clinton and greene. anyway, i guess it's good to be overly cautious. hopefully he wasn't injured in the process and he will get whatever psychiatric help he needs.

It really annoys me that cops never give out info on what's going on. I mean, if we live in the building, don't we have a right to know what the hell was going on?!