Fourth Precinct commander addresses resident concerns

Stressing the importance of calling 911 to increase safety and locking vehicle doors to impede crime, Nassau County police 4th Precinct Commanding Officer Inspector Lee M. Steinberg spoke at the Village of Lawrence board meeting on Jan. 19.

Steinberg, who said he began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer in the 4th Pct. in 1987, said that traffic in the Five Towns, especially along Central Avenue was bad then. “Traffic was always a problem,” he said, seeking to disarm the audience with humor noting that he is trying teach his younger officers “the ways of police work” and references of so-called older movies or television shows are lost on his callow policemen and women.

The commanding officer said he appreciates the community support, but also wants residents and business owners to take an active role. “You can call 911,” he said, “the calls are prioritized.” Steinberg added that a person can call more many times as there is no limit to dialing 911.

He also said that vehicle owners should make a habit of not only locking their doors, but also taking out all the electronic devices that appear to attract the attention of people who walk by grab a door handle and then steal items from the vehicle.

Having surveillance cameras are a help, Steinberg said. Speaking about the bomb threats to JCC’s nationwide last week including the one in Oceanside, he said that the police take incidents like that seriously. With the amount of synagogues in the Five Towns, he said that police keep an eye on them as well as updating intelligence about any potential threats.

Addressing the drug problem, the inspector said that drugs such as heroin are an issue. Lawrence, he said, is not a hot spot for drugs, but it is for vehicle break-ins.