By Mary Malloy
Lynbrook Police Chief Joseph Neve addressed accusations at the Sept. 18 village board meeting that the police department is not doing enough to combat the robberies.
"The rumors are totally untrue that we don't care, or that we are not aware of what is going on," Neve said. "We want to catch these people as much as you do."
Neve explained that there are similar robberies occurring around Nassau County, including in nearby Rockville Centre and Valley Stream. "I have been in touch with Nassau County Robbery Squad, and they do look for patterns in these cases." he said. "For instance, there were multiple robberies the night of August 22, one here in Lynbrook and two others in Hempstead."
Neve explained that although the description of the assailants was similar, their use of vehicles and car colors differed. "Often the victim is traumatized," he said. "They are approached quickly, and it's hard to get enough witness information." No one has been hurt in the robberies, he said, although in one case a gun may have been used. "In these cases, they do seem to be targeting youths and taking their cell phones," Neve said.
Cathy Bien, a resident of Taft Avenue and a parent, said that she called a meeting with other parents on Aug. 30, eight nights after the most recent robbery. "We want to know what action is being taken," she said. "And we as parents want to do something proactive."
According to Neve, the bulk of the robberies occurred on Merrick Road, in an area west of Peninsula Boulevard, a popular teen hangout because of the fast-food restaurants in the area. Since November of 2005 there have been seven robberies in the area in which young people have been targeted, occurring between 8:30 and 11:30 p.m. In two instances, four teenagers were walking together and two were accosted. In another, one teen in a group of three was victimized.
"Statistically speaking, it is still safer in numbers," Neve said. "There is a better likelihood of witnesses, and less likely a chance of being targeted. But even if they just witness it they can be traumatized.
"I place no higher priority than the safety of the children in this community," Neve said.
The suspects
According to Neve, the perpetrators are usually black males in groups of two to four, between ages 17 and 20, who threaten someone around age 15 with a gun or physical force. After one robbery the men fled in a red car, in another, a dark purple or blue car. They usually demand cell phones and money from their victims.
Police response
"We have placed unmarked vehicles on Merrick Road, to try to apprehend the criminals, and we have intensified patrols," said Neve. "There are also marked units to possibly deter these assailants." Village police have also added information about the crimes on their Web site, www.lynbrookpolice.net.
Neve said there is a strong police presence on Merrick Road. Officers conduct car stops, which is a deterrent to anyone who may be targeting the area for a robbery. "We have followed cars speeding away from the area, whether they fit the description of previous robberies or not," he said. "There is also good communication between the departments, with officers speaking to detectives about things they have seen on patrol that day."
Lynbrook Detective Fred Fusswinkel said that it is was hard to get word out about the robberies before school started, and three of the crimes occurred over the summer," he said. "So far I have attended the open houses at Our Lady of Peace and North Middle School, and this Thursday I will be at the high school," Fusswinkel said. "The Nassau County Task Force attended Lynbrook South the same night I was at North. I also spoke with administrators and principals at the school district's safety task force."
Fusswinkel explained that he talks with teachers and parents first, before speaking with children. "We don't want to traumatize the students," he said, "but to inform them."
Working with students
The detective said he and the department are planning educational programs for students of all ages as well as their parents. "We want them to be proactive in a safe way," he said. "We still have an extremely low crime rate in Lynbrook. But even one is too many." He suggested that residents check their local newspaper, the village and police Web sites, and the village's Channel 20 for upcoming programs as well as current news on the robberies.
Fusswinkel said he would be demonstrating for students how to speed-dial the police department on their cell phones. "If they feel something is not right, or there is a problem, even if they can connect to the police and the phone is stolen, it can help," he said. He recommended that as a habit, children should walk together, stay in well-lit places, wear bright clothing and not wear expensive or flashy jewelry.
"We will also be teaching them how to be a good witness --- how to get details, license plates, descriptions of people."
Mayor Eugene Scarpato said he believed everyone was "on the same page." "It seems that everybody wants the same thing," he said. "... The police and detectives are doing a great job. They are talking with the parents and the students. Everyone is getting on board with this."
"People have to be made aware of what is going on," said Bien. "I hope we all keep paying attention for the sake of our children --- not just the police, but the parents, too, and the residents of Lynbrook."
Comments about this story? MMalloy@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
