News From The 112th Precinct Council

Heidi Harrison Chain, president of the 112th Precinct Community Council, wants to remind you to be careful when you use your cell phone or iPod or other electronic device in the subway and on the street.

Particularly, be careful when you are leaving the subway at your stop in the morning and coming home at night. When using your phone you may be easily distracted and become a victim of crime. You must pay attention to your surroundings when you are in the street in public.

All should be aware that when we immediately take out the phone while leaving the subway, we could become an easy target of crime.

Capt. Christopher Tamola recently addressed high school students at Forest Hills High School, warning them to pay attention to their surroundings while on their phones and not to become a victim of crime. He also announced that in an effort to help our residents, the 112th precinct is etching ID numbers on cell phones and electronic equipment for free. Call the precinct's Community Affairs Unit at 1-718-520-9321 for more information.

There is a lot of information on the Internet regarding protecting your cell phone or iPod. The theft of these devices is now so popular that there are articles advising ways to protect your iPod from theft. The suggestions include:

• Not wearing the iPods or cell phones clipped to their belts for the entire world to see.

• Changing out the popular white iPod headphones for a pair of old dingy unidentifiable ones.

• Avoid carrying your iPod to and from school.

• Do not leave it unattended in public places.

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

• Do not leave it in your school locker.

• If you leave it in your car, lock it in the trunk.

• Wear your iPod inside your clothing so that it cannot be easily snatched by a thief.

• Be wise about where you choose to use it.