After Cluster Of Car Break-Ins On 20th Avenue, 66th Precinct Offers Tips
A series of car vandalisms have been plaguing 20th Avenue and 21st Avenue in Borough Park, and now the NYPD is issuing a warning for drivers in the area.
“Be sure to park your cars in well-lit areas and don’t leave anything of value in your vehicles,” said Commanding Officer Captain Kenneth Quick of the NYPD’s 66th Precinct.
Assemblyman Dov Hikind joined the NYPD 66th Precinct and Borough Park Shomrim in a patrol along 20th Avenue and 21st Avenue Wednesday morning, where at least 11 vehicles were broken into the night before.
“I encourage everyone to not leave loose change or valuable items in your vehicles when you park. Leave nothing visible,” said Hikind. “Don’t give these criminals an incentive to do harm.”
Police officials say they currently are investigating crime spree.
“I applaud the Boro Park Shomrim and the 66th Precinct for a swift response to the scene, and am so very thankful for their due diligence,” added Hikind.
Our sister site Sheepshead Bites reports that a similar spate of car robberies was discovered the day after Christmas near James Madison High School in Midwood.
MTA bus driver Chris McLean, one of the victims, said he was on his way to the gym Saturday morning when he spotted his 2013 Honda Accord propped up on blocks beside the James Madison High School baseball diamond — on Avenue P, between East 26th and East 27th Streets.
“I saw my car all the way at the end of the block. It looked like it was leaning,” McLean explained. “Then I saw the bricks and I took my key out and said: ‘I hope it ain’t mine.’ I clicked the key and the lights went on.”
McLean said the thieves had smashed in the passenger-side window and retrieved the wheel lock, a type of wrench that fits into the lug nuts to remove tires. McLean said his insurance company would only pay for half the $2,000 needed to replace the tires. And after his car had been crashed into twice earlier this year while parked on the street, McLean said he had to shell out a total of $3,000 to fix his ride.
Cops say a least one other car was vandalized in the vicinity on the same night.