By:Jason Scheer
According to Nass-Stat, the database where the incidents and arrests of all the precincts is stored, overall major crime reports from the Fifth Precinct fell from 5,870 incidents in 2003 to 5,534 in 2004. That represents a 5.72 percent drop in major crimes in the neighborhoods of Elmont, South Floral Park, Franklin Square, West Hempstead, Lakeview, parts of Malverne and Valley Stream.
Nass-Stat breaks major crimes into several categories. Incidents of sex crimes (first degree rape, first degree criminal sexual act and sexual abuse in the first degree) fell 29.63 percent. Incidents of sexual abuse fell from 11 to 3, while incidents of rape also dropped from 14 to 12. Criminal sexual acts, however, rose from two to four.
Inspector Wayne Atkins, fifth precinct commanding officer, said that the biggest reason for the reduction in sex crimes is that the public is more aware of personal safety. He noted that sex crimes often occur between people who know each other.
"Most sexual offenses that occur are not stranger related," he said. "They're often done by friends or relatives of the victim. Societal changes in this particular field and awareness on the part of the public...have caused the biggest drop."
The number of burglaries is also down, falling from 427 to 323, a 24 percent decrease. Commercial burglary in particular fell more than 47 percent, from 125 incidents in 2003 to 66 incidents in 2004.
Atkins attributed the drop in burglaries to increased police presence at night, when they are most likely to occur.
"We do very, very intensive controls of commercial areas," he said.
Atkins also cited public awareness as an impetus for the change. He said that businesses that purchase alarms, gates and security mechanisms do a lot to protect themselves.
Despite the drop in sex crimes and burglaries, felony assault rose 12 percent.
Atkins said the numbers reflect a more aggressive stance on the part of fifth precinct officers responding to domestic incidents. In the past, officers would not charge spouses or partners who attacked significant others. Often times, the victim would request charges not be filed. Now, charges of assault will be filed in all incidents of violence.
"The victim of the assault is not in the best position to protect themselves," he said. "We are taking the position of the advocates of the victims and protecting them."
With 2004 in the past, the fifth precinct is turning its attention to protecting citizens in 2005. Atkins said the precinct will continue to focus on quality of life crimes, like public drinking and loud noise.
Furthermore, Atkins encouraged residents to make note of their surroundings and not put themselves in a position of defenselessness.
"We're very concerned with people being safe at night walking the streets," he said.
As for new changes within the precinct, Dep. Inspector Arthur Frisenda takes over as new deputy commanding officer. In addition, patrol cars will soon be equipped with laptop computers. The computers will replace the antiquated scanner system currently used.
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