Tips for a safer Square

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The Franklin Square Civilian Patrol welcomed 5th Precinct Executive Officer Inspector James Bartsherer to its monthly membership meeting on Feb. 4 at the Franklin Square V.F.W.

The civilian patrol is a group of people who travel throughout the neighborhood and report suspicious activity to the police.

The need for the civilian patrol heightened when the county closed the 5th Precinct closed in 2013. It was reopened in April of 2015.

“I’m happy to report that since we’ve been opened throughout 2015, the crime rate in Nassau County and the crime rate in the precinct has gone down by about six percent which is very good,” Bartsherer said.

Despite the dip in crime statistics there are still areas that need to be addressed, he said. According to the inspector, larcenies from autos are one of his highest concern.

“A lot of that is simple to protect,” said Bartsherer. He advises residents to routinely lock their cars and be aware of where they are parked. Dimly lit parking lots invite people to try to break into vehicles and steal valuables, he said.

While the police can’t be everywhere, groups like the Franklin Square Civilian Patrol are instrumental in preventing crimes at the level Bartsherer was speaking about.

“Basically what you’re doing is driving around and you’re looking for something out of place,” said Civilian Patrol Treasurer Carl Gerrato. “The main objective is not only our presence but people know we’re out there, but there are a lot of new people in Franklin Square who don’t know we’re out there.”

The group holds membership drives regularly to attract new members to the club, though the best way would be to attend a meeting, which is generally held on the first Thursday of the month.