August 6, 2009 / Brooklyn news / Police Blotter

Billyburg, G’point crime is way down — except for burglaries

By Aaron Short

Community Newspaper Group

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Major crime is way down in Williamsburg and Greenpoint — but break-ins are soaring.

In the 94th Precinct, which covers Williamsburg’s north side and Greenpoint, reported robberies are down 23-1/2 percent, felony assaults are down nearly 14 percent, grand larcenies are down almost 11 percent and auto thefts are down 25 percent.

In the neighboring 90th Precinct, which covers Williamsburg and Bushwick, overall crime is down nearly 14 percent this year, with robberies down 30 percent, felony assaults down five percent, grand larcenies down 23 percent and auto thefts down 24-1/2 percent.

Cops credit community involvement and, well, themselves, too.

“Many community members have stepped up to be community leaders, speaking up about these issues,” said 90th Precinct Community Affairs officer Juan Roman.

Despite the good news, burglaries are up 19 percent in the 90th Precinct and 18-1/2 percent in the 94th Precinct.

Luis Garden Acosta, founder of El Puente, a community center, offered one theory.

“The dwindling support for young people [turns them] to gangs to foster a sense of security and identity,” he said. “Crime stats may be down across the city, but it means nothing to young people who have to fear walking on certain blocks.”

©2009 Community Newspaper Group