Boston Police Emphasize Arrests as Public Safety Strategy [Video]

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Video: North End Public Safety Meeting with Boston Police District A-1, Nazzaro Center, September 4, 2014

After a summer hiatus, the monthly North End Public Safety resumed this September coordinated by NEWNC Public Safety Chair David Marx and Boston Police District A-1 Captain Kenneth Fong, Sergeant James Chin and Officer Teddy Boyle. Also in attendance were Lt. Det. Chuck Wilson and Officer Roy Garber.

BPD Captain Fong reported that BPD made 15 arrests in the North End during August 2014, up from an average of 3 to 4 per month in the past. The higher number is part of a new District A-1 strategy to aggressively pursue arrests.

“By bringing in suspects to the cell block, they won’t have the opportunity to go out and break into someone’s house or car,” said Captain Fong in explaining the strategy. Many neighborhood crimes are property related by those with substance abuse problems, according to police. “We will continue to send a message,” he said.

(00:10 time in video) David Marx reviewed a walk through he had with Captain Fong to some North End areas near previous incidents. The walk included discussions with owners and managers at various businesses including CVS, Bova’s Bakery, Panza, Pompeii and Monica’s.

(06:30) Captain Fong reviewed specific crime incidents from the past 30 days. Some highlights:

Aggravated assault on 8/11/14, at 9am. Victim reported that a known suspect hit him with a Windex bottle outside of Starbucks on Atlantic Ave. The suspect was arrested

Aggravated assault at 185 Fulton St. on 8/14/14 at 11:05 am. A dispute between two males with one using pepper spray and a subsequent physical altercation. The 66 year-old suspect was summoned to court.

Breaking & Entering at 82 Endicott St. – A woman returned after being away found missing items and evidence of a break-in. The victim believes it was an ex-boyfriend.

There were 6 larcenies reported including a suspected housecleaner theft, stolen bicycle, stolen cell phone and a wallet stolen from Tresca’s Restaurant (suspect identified). On 8/29/14, an employee of Bricco Restaurant on Hanover St. was charged with stealing from the establishment. On 9/1/14, a woman was moving into 115 Salem St. reported jewelry and clothing stolen during the move.

At the 7-11 (342 Hanover St.), a male customer tried to purchase cigarettes with fraudulent credit cards, including one with the name Nancy. Through various communications, Revere Police later identified the suspect who was arrested.

(15:40) Police made 15 arrests in the North End during August 2014. Three were for drug possession, three for warrant violations, three for assaults, two for affray, one for stolen property, one for destruction of property, one for larceny and one for auto violations.

(29:00) Questions and comments

• Boston Police reported there were no major problems from the summer feasts this year.
• A resident complained about tickets given for dropping off groceries while parked on the sidewalk of Charter Street. This contrasts with parents parking on the sidewalk outside the Eliot School causing public safety issues.
• Concerns were raised regarding drug use in Christopher Columbus Park.
• The issue of elderly abuse reports was discussed.

The students are back! Suffolk University director, Rich Grealish, spoke about the party car that responds to complaints on weekends. Residents can call the party hotline at 617-549-7503.

Emergencies and timely issues should be reported to 911. For ongoing issues, the District A-1 Community Service Office can be reached at 617-343-4627.

Please view the video above for the full meeting. The North End Public Safety meeting is held on the first Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m. at the Nazzaro Center, 30 N. Bennet St. All are welcome.