Crime, traffic on their minds in East Rock

Crime and snarled traffic were just two of the concerns that were raised at a community meeting hosted by the Town of Hempstead and held at East Rockaway Village Hall on May 19. More than 50 residents attended.

Inspector John Berry, commanding officer of the Nassau County Police Department’s 4th Precinct, invited them to share their worries and issues with the department any time and offered tips on keeping their homes and belongings safe. He told attendees to make sure their homes had alarms, with signage displayed to deter would-be burglars, and not to leave valuables in sight when leaving their cars.

“We’re here to listen to your concerns,” Berry said. “The Nassau County Police Department is, and has always been, a service-oriented policing force. People shouldn’t always have to be locking their doors and hiding their valuables in order to stay safe, and it’s a shame that it has come to this, but that’s the reality of the society that we live in.”

Resident Erin Burnett asked Berry what people could do to help the police cut down on crime in the area. “Often, residents know that a certain house has criminal activity or something like that, and we’re concerned about the area,” she said. “What can we do to help you?”

Berry said that citizens can help keep the department informed. Communication among residents and the officers who serve them is crucial, he said, because those who live, work, shop and eat in the area often have a better understanding of what is happening on a day-to-day basis.

“If you see anything that seems suspicious to you, or out of place, or if you know or believe that there is criminal activity happening repeatedly somewhere in the community, please pick up the phone and let us know,” Berry said, advising his listeners to call 911 with any concerns, rather than the precinct’s desk number. “Even if you aren’t sure, you can call anonymously and let us know. That way we can get someone down there and check it out to make sure everyone is safe. We’d rather get there and see nothing than not be able to stop a crime.”