By Jeff Lipton
Officers in plainclothes and uniform, in marked and unmarked cars, have been deployed along commercial strips of Hempstead Turnpike and Franklin Avenue. The intensive patrols, which began around Thanksgiving and will continue through the New Year, will target pickpockets, shoplifters, robbers and others looking to put a crimp in the holidays for residents or business owners.
Playing the part of Scrooge, criminals realize that victims are easier targets during the holidays, because they are usually preoccupied with buying presents, carry more money and often are not as aware as they should be of their surroundings. Crimes also are usually on the rise during the holidays because of those factors, officials said.
“People should be aware of their surroundings, actually be aware of everything,” said Sgt. Edward Grim of the 5th Precinct. “They should take a deep breath and relax. They are very busy during the holidays, and it’s very easy for them to get tunnel vision. We all know the holiday season is all around you, but that doesn’t mean that you should make yourself a target.”
Even though much of the intensified patrols in the 5th Precinct focus on Green Acres Mall, commercial areas of Franklin Square and Elmont are also given more attention during the holiday season, police said. Grim said that officers are taking note of when stores are open, because many are open later than usual.
“Some businesses are extending their hours,” Grim said. “There’s one jewelry store in the area open until midnight, and the officers are made aware of this.”
Business owners said they are comfortable seeing the patrols, particularly at this time of year. “The police always do a great job,” said Jeffrey Dreon, owner of the Spirit Agency, an insurance company on Hempstead Turnpike on the Elmont-Franklin Square border. “I think the police are doing a fantastic job. They always try the best they can.”
Grim said that so far, the holiday shopping season has gone smoothly, “and we want to keep it that way.”
Comments about this story? JLipton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 210.
Safety tips for shoppers
n Plan your day. Know where you’re going and what you’re planning to do.
n Let a friend or family member know your plans.
n Avoid distractions, because they attract criminals.
n Carry a cellular phone and have emergency phone numbers available.
n Pay attention to your surroundings, and know where assistance can be found.
n Avoid shortcuts. Use well-lit and traveled roads.
n Use debit or credit cards if possible. If carrying a large amount of cash, separate it into the amounts needed and place them in different pockets.
n Secure your purse or wallet after using it.
n Report suspicious persons and packages to police.
n In case of emergency, dial 911.
n Park in well-lit areas.
n Lock and secure your car, and place packages and other valuables out of sight.
n When returning to your car, try to leave with a group of people.
n Check the outside and inside of the vehicle before entering.
n Have your keys available to open the door, get in and then lock the doors.
n Maintain a full tank of gas, keep doors locked and windows closed.
