FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com february 6, 2014 • The Courier SUN 3 PRECINCT SEES SHARP SPIKE IN CAR THEFTS BY MAGGIE HAYES mhayes@queenscourier.com Car thefts in south Queens are up nearly double what they were at this time last year. The 106th Precinct reported on Sunday, February 2 that 21 car thefts had hit the area in the prior 28 days, up from 12 last year. Twenty of those thefts took place just north of the Belt Parkway within a block or two, on Cross Bay Boulevard, Liberty Avenue, Rockaway Parkway, Lefferts Boulevard and North Conduit Avenue. “It is quite clear these car thieves are very mindful of their escape route with an obvious emphasis on a quick escape out of the area,” said the precinct report. Seven of the thefts occurred after the victims left their keys in the ignition, with the car unattended. The precinct said this happened when drivers wished to warm up their cars in the cold weather or while unloading packages. Anyone with information is asked to contact the 106th Precinct at 718-845-2211. SENATE PASSES FLOOD ACT BY MAGGIE HAYES mhayes@queenscourier.com Following the threat of significantly raised flood insurance rates, the Senate passed a bill last week that would ensure residents in flood zones get a chance at a reasonable premium. The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which received the bipartisan majority vote in the Senate, would require FEMA to undertake an affordability study to ensure flood insurance is accurate and affordable. “It makes no sense to raise flood insurance rates before we consider how homeowners will be able to afford to pay them,” said Senator Charles Schumer, who co-sponsored the bill. Now, Schumer is urging Congress and ultimately President Barack Obama to follow suit and make the bill law. The act would additionally require real solutions be proposed to address insurance affordability issues before rates can be raised. Schumer said these regulations will help protect homeowners from increased premiums set to be imposed by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Act, which would require the National Flood Insurance Program to raise flood rates to reflect “true flood risk” for a policyholder, according to FEMA. REMEMBER THE WORLD’S FAIR? Did you or someone you know attend the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park? If yes, The Courier is asking you to share your memorabilia and/or memories with us to commemorate the event’s 50th anniversary this April. You could win a dinner for two. Please email your entries to editorial@queenscourier. com with the subject line “World’s Fair Anniversary” or to Editorial, 38-15, Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361. Note: All photos/items become property of The Queens Courier Cops hope to quell car break-ins BY MAGGIE HAYES thieves went out to rob a specific car, mhayes@queenscourier.com but then they see something valuable.” Through the initiative, if cops see loose A new police initiative has hit the streets items in parked cars, they track the vehicle’s to combat car break-ins, and cops want owner and either visit the person’s home residents to know if they can spot a loose or send them a letter detailing the issue – if item in their car, a criminal can as well. they can spot it, you need to secure it. “Spot it to Secure it,” a program The program’s team is first combing launched last week by the 106th Precinct’s through Ozone Park, west of 100th Street. Commanding Officer, Deputy Inspector Since starting patrols on Wednesday, Jeffrey Schiff, targets areas in which car January 29, cops have discovered about break-ins were heavily reported. 25 cars with valuables loose, according to “It’s a crime of opportunity,” said Officer Detective Kenny Zorn. Gary Maher, the program’s coordinator “It’s amazing what people leave in their and crime prevention officer. “It’s not like cars,” Zorn said. “Open purses, credit PAYBACK BILL TO REIMBURSE HOSPITAL FOR SANDY COSTS BY MAGGIE HAYES mhayes@queenscourier.com Local pols want to keep the lone Rockaway hospital from flatlining. Assemblymember Phillip Goldfeder and State Sentator James Sanders sponsored a bill to bring $4.3 million to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital to reimburse them for expenses spent during and after Sandy. “St. John’s is the only healthcare facility available to serve nearly 100,000 families on the Rockaway Peninsula,” Goldfeder said. “We must ensure that St. John’s has the tools necessary to protect its current services and expand in order to serve our community and keep our families healthy for many years to come.” Governor Andrew Cuomo allocated $1.2 billion in his executive budget for healthcare facilities. Goldfeder requested a portion of that be reserved for St. John’s. During the superstorm, the Peninsula’s hospital focused on “caring for the many sick, elderly and homeless community members who entered our doors seeking shelter and medical assistance, and not the cost or how it would be recouped,” said Richard Brown, St. John’s CEO. cards, wallets, GPS, change. No matter where you live, crime is going to happen, and you need to keep your stuff secure.” Area residents frequently come to the precinct with complaints of car break-ins. Police continue to urge drivers to report all incidents to give them an accurate depiction of where break-ins happen. Cops additionally see the program as a way to enhance community policing. “Unfortunately, sometimes we show up for something negative,” Zorn said. “With this we’re getting positive feedback. It’s thinking outside of the box. Simple things can go a long way.” PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF ASSEMBLYMEMBER PHILLIP GOLDFEDER Local leaders introduced legislation to reimburse St. John’s Episcopal Hospital for funds spent during and after Sandy. THE COURIER/Photo by Maggie Hayes The 106th Precinct has launched a new initiative, “Spot it to Secure it,” to combat car break-ins throughout the region.
SC02062014
To see the actual publication please follow the link above