NYPD’s 66th Precinct Commanding Officer Updates Community at the Community Council Meeting

By Y.M. Lowy

At Thursday night’s community council meeting, the NYPD’s 66th Precinct Commanding Officer provided an extensive update on crime trends, arrests, and ongoing efforts to keep the neighborhood safe.

Despite overseeing security for three Lunar New Year parades on the same day, officers successfully apprehended suspects involved in the theft of dozens of license plates, thanks to the tireless efforts of local volunteers who dedicated countless hours to solving the case. Another major concern has been a rise in pickpocketing on 8th Avenue, with eight incidents reported between 55th and 60th streets. In response, the NYPD has deployed a citywide plainclothes pickpocket team to the area.

Shomrim also played a key role in the arrest of two individuals caught fishing checks out of mailboxes using mousetraps. The suspects, both with extensive criminal records, were taken into custody without incident. Mail fishing remains a persistent issue in Boro Park, with criminals altering stolen checks by erasing ink and rewriting them.

The commanding officer also addressed the recent protest, where officers from multiple precincts were deployed to maintain order, and thanked their officers and Shomrim for their role during the protest.

Meanwhile, just one block away, the Viznitz Kehila hosted a large wedding, and thanks to the efforts of Shmira volunteers, everything went smoothly with no incidents reported.

Another significant arrest came when Officer Anderson helped apprehend a suspect responsible for six knife-point commercial robberies. While last year saw a wave of scooter-related robberies targeting pedestrians, this year has brought a rise in store robberies involving knives.

The NYPD reassured the community that they remain proactive in tackling crime and working closely with neighborhood patrol groups to keep the streets safe.