Times Newsweekly: 112th Precinct Council News

by Heidi Harrison Chain
In the transit system and on the street your electronic device is safer if you do not use it in public. Capt. Christopher Tamola, commanding officer of the 112th Precinct, discussed people leaving their GPS devices in their cars and then the devices being stolen.

In fact, the NYPD recommends that you not only remove the device, but that you also remove the device holder when you park your car. The auto theft unit of the NYPD warned people about leaving valuables in their cars.

There are also many instances in which electronic devices are taken from people in the subways. Capt. Raymond Porteus, the commanding officer of Transit District 20, came to our precinct council meeting and discussed registering electronic equipment with the NYPD.

The police use invisible ultra violet permanent ink markers, which glow under an ultraviolet light to mark electronic devices. He indicated that the police would be willing to do this at Transit Bureau office (in Queens, this is at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and Main Street).

The reason that the transit bureau of the NYPD is doing this is that at the same time that they mark the equipment, they will then keep a record of your information. In the event that your device is lost or stolen in the subway system, they would be able to return it to the rightful owners.

In addition, the Police Department indicates that there have been many instances in which students take electronic devices from other students. In an effort to cut down on the thefts of cell phones, the l12th Precinct’s crime prevention officer is able to etch a number on the cell phone for identification purposes. The precinct will also keep a record of the phone and the ID number in case that phone is later stolen.

The theft of these devices is increasing. In addition to registering your equipment, here are other suggestions to decrease the risk that your equipment will be stolen:

• Do not leave electronic equipment in your car.

•. Put away your electronic devices before entering the subway system.

• Do not wear iPods, Blackberry devices or cell phones clipped to belts for the entire world to see when you go for a walk.

• Change the popular white iPod headphones for a pair of unidentifiable ones.

• Avoid carrying your electronic equipment to and from school.

• Do not leave electronic equipment unattended in public places.

• Do not leave your equipment on or in your desk at work.

• Do not leave your equipment in your school locker.

Other news

On Thursday, May 1, there will be a ceremony for the students in our criminal justice youth project. This is a joint project of the NYPD Patrol Borough Queens North, the 112th Precinct, the 112th Precinct Community Council, the Queens District Attorney’s Office and Forest Hills High School.

The students are learning about policing, about the community and also about law enforcement. They are also learning firsthand about the court system.

At the ceremony, the students will receive certificates and will also be showing their newly acquired skills in a mock trial.

Editor’s Note: Heidi Harrison Chain is president of the 112th Precinct Community Council.