Monday, March 12, 2012

Inj Memory of:

Police Officer Geoffrey Breitkopf

Date of Appointment: December 3,1998
End of Watch: March 12, 2011
Age 40
Cause: Gunfire
Officer Breitkopf was on the force for twelve years

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Senior Citizens Crime Prevention Seminars

Hempstead Town Hosts Series of Senior Citizens' Crime Prevention Seminars, Free Brochure AvailableSenior citizens have been the main target of a recent spate of “distraction” burglaries and robberies in local communities. To prepare and educate our golden aged residents about protecting themselves from dangerous criminal activity, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the town’s Department of Public Safety kicked off a series of Senior Citizens’ Crime Prevention Seminars that began on January 6th at the East Meadow Senior Center.


Murray, along with members of the Hempstead Town Board, announced a schedule of dates and times for Hempstead Town’s Senior Citizens’ Crime Prevention Seminars. All seminars are free of charge, and open to all senior residents living in the Town of Hempstead.

“I urge all senior citizens to take advantage of this free educational safety seminar,” Murray said. “Simple prevention measures that will be discussed during the seminars can protect our residents and keep them out of harm’s way.”

“Distraction burglaries” typically involve multiple criminals targeting seniors at their homes. Usually, one person diverts the senior citizen’s attention at the front door with a bogus service or sales pitch, while another breaks into the home and steals money and/or valuable items. These valuable seminars educate seniors about what to watch for, what to avoid and how to protect themselves from these criminals.

A free senior citizen crime prevention brochure is also available for residents. It can be obtained by calling the Hempstead Town Department of Public Safety at (516) 538-1900. The brochure will also be distributed at the seminars.

In the case of inclement weather, check with individual senior centers on event dates by calling the phone numbers listed. The seminar schedule is as follows:

Senior Citizen Crime Prevention Schedule

Baldwin Senior Center, 1810 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, (516) 546-7110 - Monday, February 6: 11 a.m.
Bellmore Senior Center, 2000 Bellmore Avenue, Bellmore, (516) 221-9696 - Tuesday, February 28: 11 a.m.
Cedarhurst Senior Center, Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, (516) 295-1177 - Monday, February 6: 2 p.m.
Elmont Senior Center, 138 Elmont Road, Elmont, (516) 354-4777 - Monday, February 13: 11 a.m.
Franklin Square Senior Center, 1182 Martha Place, Franklin Square , (516) 328-3010 - Monday, February 13: 1 p.m.
Green Acres Senior Center, 400 Flower Road, Valley Stream, (516) 872-8810 - Tuesday, February 21: 11 a.m.
Hempstead Senior Center, 260 Clinton Street, Hempstead, (516) 489-8500 - Friday, February 10: 1 p.m.
Levittown Senior Center, 555 North Newbridge Road, Levittown, (516) 433-5454 - Tuesday, February 7: 1 p.m.
Merrick Senior Center, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, (516) 868-4777 - Tuesday, February 14: 1 p.m.
Oceanside Senior Center, 2900 Rockaway Avenue, Oceanside, (516) 766-8888 - Monday, January 23: 11 a.m.
Rosa Parks Senior Center, 2 Babylon Turnpike, Roosevelt, (516) 867-1612 - Friday, February 3, 11 a.m.
Salisbury Senior Center, 460 Salisbury Park Drive, Westbury, (516) 333-5440 - Tuesday, February 7: 11 a.m.
Uniondale-Hempstead Senior Center, 840 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, (516) 292-1313 - Friday, February 3: 1 p.m
Uniondale-Merrick Senior Center, 750 Jerusalem Avenue, Uniondale, (516) 538-5050 - Friday, February 10: 11 a.m.
Wantagh Senior Center, 1150 Seamans Neck Road, Wantagh, (516) 785-8505 - Friday, February 17: 11 a.m.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Residential Distraction Burglaries

Definition:




Distraction burglary is a crime in which elderly persons are often the targets. The perpetrator seeks to draw a resident out of the house on a pretext. While the resident is occupied, an accomplice enters the home and picks up valuables such as money and jewelry. Thieves may also pick up papers with the intent of committing identity theft. In a variation, the accomplice enters the dwelling by a second door while the resident is occupied at the other door.

The following attachments and link below provide some helpful tips and suggestions to avoid you or a loved one from becoming victims of this crime trend. Feel free to share this information to all who may benefit from it.
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/tag/distraction-burglary/

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Be Prepared Not Scared

Be Prepared, Not Scared – Murray, Hudes Help Senior Citizens Learn How to Safeguard Their Homes from “Distraction Burglary”Residential burglaries are invasions of privacy and are threats to the safety and quality of life enjoyed by Hempstead Town residents. Many burglars prey on our most vulnerable citizens, tending to target the senior citizens in our community. Indeed, there have been nine “distraction burglaries” and attemptedrobberies in our area since December 9th, whereby criminals used various methods of deception to distract homeowners to gain access to valuables inside.


In an effort to increase awareness and knowledge for concerned senior citizens, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Councilman Gary Hudes and the Department of Public Safety hosted a burglary prevention safety seminar at the East Meadow Senior Center on Friday.

“Being cautious and alert can go a long way in safeguarding your home and your loved ones from criminals,” Murray said. “This seminar will be a valuable educational tool for our seniors so they can enjoy their golden years without fearing for their safety. Be prepared, not scared.”

The spate of “distraction burglaries” and robbery attempts are a disturbing trend with senior citizens as the main targets. The following are some tips for senior citizens to consider in an effort to avoid becoming victims:

Install and use a peephole

Never open the door to strangers and never let them know you’re alone.

Ask for identification. If someone rings your doorbell claiming to provide a service and/or represent a company, organization or group, ask them to present identification. Get their names.

Beware of phone scams: Don’t give personal or financial information over the phone. Hang up on nuisance callers and report them.

Protect yourself from common types of consumer crimes, including medical and insurance fraud, sweepstakes scams, business schemes and unlicensed home repairs.

If someone breaks into your home, do not confront the burglar. Lock the room you’re in and if you can get to a phone, quietly call law enforcement officials.

“If you don’t know someone at your door, don’t let them in,” Hudes said. “If you feel threatened or have been victimized by one of these crimes, immediately contact the authorities.”

“Awareness and education are keys to preventing unwelcome intruders from entering the home,” Murray said. “I encourage senior citizens, and all residents, to follow these important preventative tips. Remember, the best way to fight crime is to prevent it in the first place.”

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Receiver of Taxes to Host Taxpayer Forums

Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin has announced his winter series of taxpayer forums at local libraries. As part of his commitment to making government work effectively for the residents of the township, Clavin will discuss important issues such as assessment challenges, tax exemptions, tax discounts, property tax payment dates and convenient tax payment options.

“As we approach the annual grievance period during which property owners may apply for a reduction in assessed value of their property, it is important that residents understand the steps they can take if they believe that their home’s assessment is out of line (too high) with comparable properties in their neighborhoods,” said Clavin. “My taxpayer forums give residents an opportunity to ask questions, address any ‘taxpayer’ concerns that they may have and obtain valuable information about tax reduction programs in which the town participates.”

Tax Forums are scheduled as follows:

January 12- 2 p.m., Lynbrook Library, 56 Eldert St.
January 17-1 p.m., Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Rd.
January 19- 1 p.m., Hewlett-Woodmere Library, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett
January 25- 2 p.m., Oceanside Public Library, 30 Davison Ave.
January 26- 2 p.m., Levittown Library, 1 Bluegrass La.
February 2- 2 p.m., Hempstead Library, 115 Nichols Ct., Hempstead
February 8- 1 p.m., Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke.
February 9- 2 p.m., Baldwin Library, 2385 Grand Ave.
February 21- 2 p.m., Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave.
“These forums are just another way in which Hempstead Town is doing its part to keep taxpayers informed so they do not have to pay one penny more than their fair share of taxes,” remarked Town Supervisor Kate Murray.

Forums are free, and all are welcome to attend. For further information about taxpayer forums, please call the Office of the Receiver of Taxes at (516) 538-1500.

“I encourage residents to attend one of the upcoming forums and learn how they might be able to reduce their property tax burdens,” concluded Clavin.

Local Taxi Companies Offer Free Rides to Fight DWI

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Acting Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter announced today a STOP-DWI initiative that will put more police officers on the streets during the holiday season, and also announced the Holiday Free Ride Initiative supported by local taxi companies. The County Executive and Acting Police Commissioner were joined by President of All Island Transportation Larry Blessinger; Margaret Rebholz of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD); and Marge Lee, Executive Director of DEDICATEDD.


The “STOP DWI” program is funded by DWI fines collected in Nassau County and will provide the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) and police departments throughout the county with additional funding that will be utilized to implement an effective DWI saturation enforcement strategy that has proven very successful in years past. The NCPD’s Highway Patrol Bureau will coordinate and plan this initiative that will target certain areas throughout the county.

“Nassau County Police will be targeting drunk drivers and looking to prevent the kind of senseless alcohol-related accidents that too often occur during the holidays. My message is clear: if you drink and drive here in Nassau County you will be arrested and prosecuted,” said County Executive Mangano. “I urge everyone to be responsible and to plan accordingly so all can return home safely to their loved ones. Be smart -a taxi is a much better choice than the backseat of a patrol car. Choose your ride, don’t drink and drive.”

Since December 10th, local taxi companies have been offering free rides to those who need a ride home in an effort to deter drunk driving and prevent holiday celebrations from ending in tragedy or arrest. They will continue to offer free rides through January 1, 2012. This public service will be available throughout Nassau County and Eastern Queens by calling (516) 326-9090, and also includes rides back to the driver’s car the next day.

The following companies are participating in the Holiday Free Ride Taxi Initiative:
* Ollie’s Taxi & Airport Service
* All Island Transportation
* Taxi Latino
* Luxury Transportation
* Glen Belle Car Service
* Deluxe Transportation

“I am pleased to support and promote this generous offer of public service by the local taxi companies listed above, said Acting Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter. There is no acceptable excuse for DWI with this offer of a free ride. If you do so in Nassau County, you will be arrested.”

“We want all of our residents and customers to be safe over the holiday season. During this joyous time of year, our goal is to prevent or stop any horrible tragedies. If we can avoid one accident or someone from being injured, it is well worth it. Don’t drink and drive, let your Transportation Companies be your designated driver and keep you safe,” said Marianne Blessinger, President of Ollie’s Taxi and Airport Service.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Project 21 Arrests

12/7/2011 370 WOODFIELD RD WEST HEMPSTEAD 508
KEE DELI
18:55 -
Officers were working in plainclothes participating in Project 21 initiative, illegal
sale of tobacco to minors. Arresting officers were present at the above business when an underage agent working for the police department entered this location and bought one pack of Marlboro Light cigarettes from the defendant. The defendant did not ask for or check the identification of this agent. Defendant placed under arrest and transported to the Fifth Precinct for processing.

12/7/2011 100 W MERRICK RD VALLEY STREAM 518
SHELL GAS STATION
20:55 -
Officers were working in plainclothes participating in Project 21 initiative, illegal
sale of tobacco to minors. Arresting officers were present at the above business when an underage agent working for the police department entered this location and bought one pack of Marlboro Light cigarettes from the defendant . The defendant did not ask for or check the identification of this agent. Defendant placed under arrest and transported to the Fifth Precinct for processing.

12/7/2011 530 FRANKLIN AVE FRANKLIN SQUARE 506
GETTY GAS STATION
20:00 -
Officers were working in plainclothes participating in Project 21 initiative, illegal
sale of tobacco to minors. Arresting officers were present at the above business when an underage agent working for the police department entered this location and bought one pack of Marlboro Light cigarettes from the defendant. The defendant did not ask for or check the identification of this agent. Defendant placed under arrest and transported to the Fifth Precinct for processing.

12/7/2011 758 FRANKLIN AVE NORTH VALLEY STREAM 510
VALERO GAS STATION
Officers were working in plainclothes participating in Project 21 initiative, illegal
sale of alcohol to minors. Arresting officers were present at the above business when an underage agent working for the police department entered this location and bought one 24 oz can of Coors Light from the defendant. The defendant did not ask for or check the identification of this agent. Defendant placed under arrest and transported to the Fifth Precinct for processing.