Summertime Crime

 Summertime Crime

By Dan Guarino

It’s summer and almost all of New York is taking a break, going out, going to events, hitting the beach, especially in Rockaway. But one thing not taking a holiday this year is crime.

A beachgoer recently posted on local Facebook page, Friends of Rockaway Beach, that while swimming with a friend, “someone grabbed her backpack…with her phone, wallet, clothes, and other belongings. We weren’t too far from our belongings but it appears that someone was watching us the entire time.”

As 100th Precinct Community Affairs Officer Victor Boamah says, beach crimes like this lead the summer seasonal pack. “People that go to the beach, let’s say they go swimming, they leave their keys, their wallets, their belongings. Literally it’s a crime of opportunity,” he said. “We tell people if you’re going to the beach, go with somebody to leave their stuff with. If you’re going into the water, don’t leave your belongings unattended.”

Boamah, with the NYPD and the 100th for six years, notes summer patrol differs from the rest the year, because “we have more traffic. There’s more activity, there’s more events, more parades, etc. The whole city wants to come here.”

“We get a lot of visitors, most are coming to the Rockway Beach area. There’re many more people coming from many different places. The way they come in is…number one, the train. Number two, the ferry and then cars,” Boamah said. “We have to prepare for the extra traffic.”

He also confirms while the precinct does have about 20 extra officers detailed for the summer, they go back to their regular precincts after Labor Day.

However, while here, as part of the precinct’s mission, they are focused on the primary center of summer activity, the beach. “We have a beach detail (covering) the beach, the boardwalk. They’re there also with NYC Parks Enforcement Patrol,” Boamah said. PEP covers all areas that fall under the NYC Department of Parks, while the United States Park Police is responsible for National Park Service areas like Fort Tilden and Riis Park.

If you’re the victim of a crime, the best way to get help in a hurry is to “Call 911,” Boamah says. Or to report a crime in progress or suspicious situation. “Also now you can text them, like a regular text message. In case you don’t feel safe calling 911…just text 911 and add whatever the subject.”

“We have officers on the beach, we have NYC Urban Park Rangers and PEP” as well as FDNY and Emergency Services, who can respond right away. Even if you are at Tilden or just not sure, call 911. “Dispatch will route it to the proper agency,” Boamah said.

Additionally, if you are on the beach, you can always go to a lifeguard in an emergency. NYPD has also recently deployed drones to watch out for swimmers in danger, sharks, and generally keep an eye on things.

To avoid becoming the victim of a crime, generally “we tell people to be mindful of your environment,” the people, the area around them, Boamah says. “We tell individuals, our seniors, everybody, don’t carry large amounts of money with you. Don’t put your important info, like your social security card in your wallet. Don’t put all your credit cards in your wallet. Just bring one or two.”

While going out, relaxing, or making quick stops or popping into stores, residents and visitors also need to be mindful. Never leave bags open or unattended in carts. Never put down wallets, handbags, etc. on bars, tables, store shelves, counters, or cashier belts. They may not be there when you go back for them.

Boamah notes, “We still have issues with people leaving their vehicles running, leaving the key fob inside. It’s a crime of opportunity. People see it running, hop in and take off. If you’re going into the store, always lock your car and take the key or fob with you.” Make sure windows are rolled up, and your car is turned off. Even without the key fob present, a running car can still be driven away.

Whether driving or parked, “don’t leave valuables inside.” Make sure you take anything, including cellphones, electronics and carrybags, that might look enticing to thieves with you or leave them at home.

About parking, if you want to avoid getting a ticket, towed or a windshield or wheel boot yourself, read the signs. “Remember,” Boamah says, on the east side “of the whole Shore Front Parkway…there’s no legal parking.” He explains that the “No Standing” signs along Shore Front’s boardwalk adjacent curbs do not apply just to the bike lane, but all of the lanes there. Only the north side of the street has legal parking. “We are definitely encouraging people to park on the other side, which is legal parking. Best bet is to go early,” Boamah said.

Just because other cars are parked there, does not make it a safe space. It is also a good idea to read all signs, avoid driveways and hydrants, and be aware that some areas do not allow summer parking on weekends. If you’re going to a game, a show, etc. between March 15 and September 15 at Fort Tilden, make sure to get a parking pass from the event. Your car may be ticketed and immediately towed without one. There are otherwise no general admission parking passes to visit the park. Nothing sours an enjoyable summer park visit than coming back to find your car is gone. Best bet is to park on the main road or pay to park at Riis Park’s lot.

Becoming the victim of crime in Rockaway can deflate all the enjoyment of summer. As the Friends of Rockaway Beach poster wrote, “We were having such a good day and this just ruined it.”

Officer Boamah notes, “We welcome people to come to Rockaway. It helps the economy, the concessions, it helps the local small businesses, all of it. You are more than welcome to the greatest beach in the country, in the whole wide world, Rockaway Beach. We welcome people to come and enjoy.”

But while you’re here, make the most of it. Be alert, be careful and be safe.

Photos by Dan Guarino

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