What Cars Are Thieves Looking To Steal In Brooklyn?

After receiving several rounds of applause for his promotion from captain, Deputy Inspector Georgios Mastrokostas launched into his monthly report to the 61st Precinct Community Council last Wednesday.

Among the highlights of his statement, the deputy inspector pointed out that the neighborhood is seeing an increase of 22 stolen vehicles for the year. The thefts are concentrated in the southern and southeastern part of the command, making Sheepshead Bay, Gerritsen Beach and Manhattan Beach auto theft hot-spots.

The most popular vehicle on crooks’ shopping lists? The Ford Econoline, which Mastrokostas said is being parted out at Brooklyn’s chop shops. Other popular targets include the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima and the Dodge Caravan.

If you own these cars, please take extra precaution and park in well-lighted areas, and consider investing in an alarm system.

[Watch our video from April, where officers discuss which cars are being targeted for tire and rim thefts.]

Mastrokostas also notes a spike in burglary arrests. Though burglary is down compared to last year, the precinct is responsible for making arrests in 53 burglary cases, up from 29 last year. The deputy inspector said they took about 46 individuals off the streets in those cases, and they suspect they’re responsible for many more break-ins than what they were charged with. He noted that video surveillance plays a large role in identifying suspects.