A quiet New Year’s Eve capped off 2011 with 14% less reported crime incidents in the North End / Waterfront community. In fact, there were no crime reports on the last evening of the year, despite hundreds of people in the streets and parks enjoying the mild weather.
“December was a good month and it was a pretty good year overall in the North End,” said Captain Bernard O’Rourke at this week’s North End Public Safety meeting. For the year 2011, reductions were seen in most crime categories helping the district to exceed its 10% crime reduction goal. There were no homicides for the second year in a row. The largest decrease in crime was seen in larcenies and assaults, although reported sexual assaults increased from five to six including those from this past summer.
There were two neighborhood robberies in December. On December 28th at approximately 11:40 p.m., a victim was at the Hanover St. cigar bar with two suspects that followed him out and pushed him into a doorway. A suspect put a knife to his throat and said “run your pockets.” The 22 year-old victim from Salem, N.H. was not hurt, but said a large amount of his cash was stolen. Detectives have camera footage and are waiting for a technical aide to produce images.
The second robbery in December was on N. Washington Street where a 27 year-old victim from outside the area was assaulted by two teens that stole his iPhone and wallet. The incident occurred on December 10th at 12:49 a.m.
A burglary during the month took place on December 10th where a bedroom window was forced open on Moon Street. A laptop and clothing was stolen.
Police reported 10 car breaks during the month, mostly along Commercial St. and Atlantic Ave. In one case, a 2010 Acura airbag was stolen, probably to be sold on the black market through chop shops, according to police. Other items stolen include iPads, jewelry, wine, laptops, a Fender guitar and briefcase
On the “loud party” front, there were only two reports in the last month, both on December 4th. Police responded to 153 and 157 Endicott Street where Suffolk students were disbanded. One resident at the meeting asked police to look up a noise report from Fulton Street. Police said they will add patrols on weekend nights when the college semester starts at the end of January.
Officer Boyle followed up on questions from a previous meeting regarding commercial parking. He reports that there is no limit on the number of commercial vehicles that can stop for pickup or delivery. However, there is a time limit of 30 minutes per vehicle.
Regarding the recent valet parking investigation, Captain O’Rourke said that his department is working with Boston Transportation Department to increase enforcement of valet regulations.
The next North End Public Safety meeting is February 2, 2012, 6:30 pm at the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 N. Bennet Street. The meeting is open to the public. Interested residents and business owners are encouraged to attend to discuss public safety issues with District A-1 Boston Police.
