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Trying to get a handle on thefts-

Trying to get a handle on thefts-

If the cops from the 62nd Precinct can get a handle on all the robberies going on, life would be perfect in Bensonhurst and Bath Beach.

During the most recent 62nd Precinct Community Council meeting, Captain James Grant, the precinct’s executive officer said that overall crime in the neighborhood was down, save for a spike in robberies.

“Most of these robberies are kids on kids, so we’re trying to get a handle on it,” Grant explained to the assemblage, adding that the number of robberies in the command “evened out” over the last week.

According to recently published crime statistics, overall felony crime in the 62nd Precinct was down by just over 10 percent as of October 19.

Statistics show that felony assaults were down by 23 percent, burglaries were down by 13 percent and car thefts in the neighborhoods have dropped by 24 percent.

But, robberies, however, remain a sticking point, Grand explained.

Most of the robberies are committed by teenagers on teenagers for pricey electronic items like iPods, and cell phones.

Much like many other commands in Brooklyn South, the 62nd Precinct is suffering from a “gotta get” mentality among kids, where these portable hand held items are becoming alluring prizes for teens that do not have the coolest new gizmo, officials said.

Yet, increased patrols along school corridors have helped reduce this fearsome trend in which teens are pushed, shoved and sometimes beaten up for their property.

Between October 13 and October 19, only five robberies had taken place — the exact same number the same week the year before.

The number is a far cry from the 31 robberies the command has sustained over the last month — a 55 percent from the year before.

Grant said programs like the cell phone registry — in which a special code number is placed in the phone on the battery — has helped.

Still, time tested police tactics will make an impact he explained.

“We’re going to keep with the same trends that gave us so much success last year,” Grant said. “As always, the community is key when it comes to crime fighting. The NYPD can’t go it alone.”