Before the business of the May NEWNC Public Safety Committee meeting, attendees reflected on the contributions of its founder and long-time Chairman, Bob DeCristoforo. On behalf of the Boston Police, Sgt. Tom Lema and Officer Teddy Boyle, Area A-1 Captain O’Rourke expressed sincere appreciation for the work of Bobby D. to keep the neighborhood safe. A moment of silence was observed.
Stephen Passacantilli, NEWNC President, chaired the May meeting and proposed a rotating chairperson staffed by the members of the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council.
Boston Police reviewed the April 2010 crime statistics shown below. After two months of improvement, car breaks (included in the larcenies category below) spiked to high levels, especially at area garages. In April, there were 19 car break-ins, up from 6 the month earlier. A common factor is the stealing of gps, laptops, cell phones and wallets from cars. Police advise car owners not to leave valuables in their vehicles. A rash of incidents has been reported at neighborhood garages, especially the Clinton St. garage.
There were no homicides or sexual assaults during the month, but police reported two aggravated assaults, one stolen car, four burglaries and two graffiti incidents. During April, there were 13 cars towed, 147 moving vehicle citations and 381 parking tickets.
One robbery took place near the corner of Salem & Prince Streets. The female victim was under the influence of alcohol and cited that she was robbed of her cell phone and papers.
A party incident was reported on Fleet Street when a woman walking down the street was hit with a crushed beer can. Several males were looking out an upper story window. Detectives arrived on the scene where the suspects denied the incident. Police will follow-up on the address as a disorderly house.
A vagrant was arrested at St. Leonard Church for sleeping in the church.
Police noted a program they are working on with the Eliot School. Fourth grade students wrote essays on bullying, touching on “what is a bully” and experiences they have had with bullies. One girl’s essay was unanimously chosen as the favorite. She will receive a BMX bicycle and helmet, donated by Frito Lay.
National Night Out is coming back to the neighborhoods on the first Tuesday in August.
A resident reported seeing a drug deal at 1:00 am on Commercial Street, behind Mercantile Wharf. He reports hearing, “how many bags do you want?.” Police advised him to report the incident at the time it occurs.
Captain O’Rourke issued a warning to restaurant patrons that thieves are taking purses from the back of chairs in busy cafes/restaurants. Although there have not been any incidents in the North End, police report multiple problems in the South End.
Marie Simboli, 61 Prince St., reported a loud party on Saturday, May 1s, after 10pm. She saw multiple cases of beer brought into the apartment. She called 911 and said there was no response. Police at the meeting said they will track the incident and get back to Marie. In addition to 911, police told residents to call their “Loud Party Hotline” at 617-343-5500.
A resident asked if it was legal to shoot off fireworks on the street. Police said it is not legal and observers should call 911 when they see fireworks incidents.
