Roosevelt Island Experiencing Rash Of Burglaries Says RIOC Public Safety Department Director - Here Are Some Crime Prevention Tips

The Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Incident Reports lists several recent burglaries at Roosevelt Landings. According to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

8/14/15 – 2355 – 540 Main St. – Burglary – PSD and NYPD responded report generated

8/13/15 - 1915 - 560 Main St. – Burglary – PSD and NYPD responded, Negative results

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Director Jack McManus sends the following message to the Roosevelt Island community.

BE ALERT! BURGLARIES ARE OCCURRING!

Roosevelt Island is experiencing a rash of burglaries. We have increased patrols and taken every measure in an effort to apprehend those responsible. The Public Safety Dept. is working very closely with the 114th Pct. in an effort to prevent further occurrences.

We need your assistance in safeguarding your property! You can help:

1. Report any person(s) who is/are acting suspiciously.

2. Patio doors, windows and screens should be locked and secured.

3. Be sure your place of business is lighted adequately at night, both outside and inside, i.e., the alleys and rear of store, all entry points, a night light and a night light over the safe (if you have one). These are deterrents against thieves, who like the DARK.

4. You should have adequate locks installed, cylinder-type, dead-bolt locks should replace hasps and padlocks, where possible.

5. Panels and glass should be protected against being kicked in.

6. Bars on the inside prevent breaking in the entire door.

7. Install an adequate Alarm System, which you should test periodically to ascertain that it is in good working order.

8. Check all windows, doors, etc. before leaving at night to make sure everything is secure.

If you have any information that would help in the apprehension of those responsible for these criminal acts, please contact the Public Safety Department immediately at (212) 832-4545. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

According to the most recent RIOC Index Crimes Report for May 2015, there were a total of 8 Roosevelt Island burglaries from January - May 2015.

No information available on Roosevelt Island burglaries from June 2015 to date.

UPDATE 8/17 - Another burglary reported:

8/9/2015 – 1450 – 510 Main St – Burglary – PSD/NYPD responded. Report Filed.

Roosevelt Island Assault Near Southtown's Riverwalk Building At 465 Main Street Sunday Morning, Assailant Strikes Man With Bottle - Another Attempted Burglary At Westview

According to the Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Report:

5/11/14 - 0740 -455 Main St - Assault - PSD/NYPD/EMS responded - NYPD report filed.

A NYPD Spokesperson said that a 29 year old male walking near 465 Main Street
 

 Image of Area Between Riverwalk 455 and 465 Main Street

with his girl friend was struck with a bottle early Sunday morning by a male hispanic in 20's. The assailant was not caught.

Also, the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department reported another burglary attempt at Westview.

5/12/14 -1410 - 625 Main St. - Attempted Burglary - PSD/NYPD responded.

Please heed the advice of this Westview resident. Keep your apartment doors locked.

Here's the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Monthly Blotter  and Incident Statistics for April 2014.

Roosevelt Island Resident Wakes Up To Find Television Missing From Apartment - 7 Burglaries In June & More Public Safety Incidents Reported From June Blotter

Image From Apartment Wiz

The 8/7 - 8/8 RIOC Daily Public Safety Report indicates (See Blog's Sidebar for report):

Burglary- Victim woke up and television was missing. Search made by PSD with negative results.

Yesterday, I inquired of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp  (RIOC) VP of Operations Fernando Martinez and Public Safety Department Director Keith Guerra:

Do you have any comment on this matter including which building the burglary occurred, time of day, reports from others of  recent Roosevelt Island burglaries and apartment break - ins and recent meeting between NYPD, Roosevelt Island Public Safety, Urban American Management and Roosevelt Landings residents.

Have not had any response from RIOC at the time this post is published.

Examples of other recent reports regarding Roosevelt Island burglaries, robberies and break ins include the following.

The 08/01/11 - 8/02/11 RIOC Daily Public Safety Report indicates (See Blog's Sidebar for report):

Investigation - Tenant reported that unknown person tried to gain entry. PSD conducted search with negative results.

Burglary - Tenant reported that unknown person took property from her apartment. NYPD was notified.

The 7/29 - 7/30 RIOC Daily Public Safety Report indicates (See Blog's Sidebar for report):

Burglary- negative result, report filed, under investigation.

Robbery- negative result, report filed, under investigation

The 7/28 - 7/29 RIOC Daily Public Safety Report indicates (See Blog's Sidebar for report):

 Possible Burglary - Tenant reported property taken from apartment. PSD responded, there appeared to be no forced entry.

The 7/27 -28 RIOC Daily Public Safety Report indicates (See Blog's Sidebar for report):

Missing property - Victim stated he noticed property taken from his apt when he woke up in the morning. NYPD report refused.

RIOC does not provide the location of incidents in their Daily Public Safety Report.

The latest monthly RIOC Public Safety Department Statistics note that there were seven reported burglaries during the month of June and a total of 13 for all of 2011 to date.

Below is the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Incident Blotter for June 2011. Included in the Blotter are these Burglary Incidents:

• Location was broken into. Door and lock damaged. No items were taken. Repair company on scene to repair the lock. (504 Main Street, 6/6)
• Victim advised she heard her front door close and thought it was her roommate. Upon investigation her laptop worth $1,300 was missing as well as her wallet. NYPD on scene for report. (560 Main Street 6/10)
• Reporter advised location was broken into with two gaming systems missing and the rear window broken. NYPD on scene to file a report. (506 Main Street, 6/17)
• Victim advised she heard her front door open and thought it was her roommate. Upon investigation her roommate was not home, but a laptop computer worth $2,000 and $150 cash was missing from apartment. NYPD contacted for response. (510 Main Street, 6/21)
• Victim reports three of his laptop computer were taken from his residence. No signs of forced entry. Victim advised only one lock was utilized to secure the apartment. NYPD on scene for report. (510 Main Street, 6/29)
• Victim reports her laptop computer and camera were taken from her residence in the middle of the night. Victim states she has no top lock only a slam lock. No sign of forced entry or damage to door. NYPD on scene for report. (540 Main Street, 6/29)
• NYPD on scene for a report of a burglary at location. Three victims advised various electronics and cash were taken. Victim #1 was asleep at the time and observed male subject in his room. Victim #2 found second male subject in his room. Both subjects fled the scene. No description of subjects. NYPD filed report. (560 Main Street, 6/30)

June 2011 RIOC Public Safety Blotter

Burglary At Roosevelt Island's Senior Center, Youths Found Hiding In Closet - What Are The Duties And Responsibilities Of Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department?

 Image From RIOC

The 11/24 - 25 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Report indicated:

Burglary - PSD and NYPD responded. Two subjects arrested.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra adds:

The Burglary was committed at 546 Main St. It involved two male youths age 14, who are island residents. The youths entered the Senior Center via climbing through a window. The youths were found hiding in a closet. Both subjects were brought to the 114 pct where their parents/guardians were contacted.

The Public Safety Department recently revamped their section of the RIOC web page to better describe it's duties and responsibilities on Roosevelt Island. According to the RIOC Public Safety Department:

The following is a rundown of staff and specific duties they perform as mandated by the law, along with those responsibilities that enhance the “quality of life” on the Island.

Staffing and Patrols

The Public Safety Department works round-the-clock, on 8-hour shifts, some overlapping to provide extra coverage as needed. Every shift is staffed by 4-12 officers, including one or two sergeants and a Lieutenant, as needed. The officers are assigned to patrol specific areas of the Island.

Each shift includes:

A Desk Officer at headquarters who receives and refers telephone calls. These calls can range from reports of criminal activity to medical emergencies. All emergency calls are automatically relayed to the 114th Precinct, the Fire Department or EMS through the 911 system; at the same time Public Safety Officers are immediately dispatched to the scene.

Officers patrol around the bridge and Motorgate lobby, the subway station and the tram area, (The station interior is under the jurisdiction of the NYC Police Dept.)

Remaining officers conduct an average of 10 patrols per shift, including patrol of all public areas and vertical patrols of Roosevelt Landings, Island House, Westview and Rivercross according to contracts with building owners. There are close to 50 routes within these buildings that receive regular attention, and while Public Safety Officers are not authorized to patrol inside the Manhattan Park, Octagon and Riverwalk complexes, they do patrol the exterior and respond to any emergencies inside the buildings.

Officers assigned to patrol public areas, pay close attention to the storefronts on Main Street, Motorgate, and the exterior areas of all the residential buildings. Each shift also includes traffic enforcement and checking the parks, the tram, the fence at Southpoint, and the seawall areas. A fleet of bicycles and segways, allow officers to cover more ground more frequently....

Click here for a fuller description of the Traffic, Ticketing, Towing, Youth, Crisis Intervention, Emergency Response and Public Outreach duties of the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department.

Burglary At Roosevelt Island's Eastwood/Roosevelt Landings Building & August/September Monthly Public Safety Blotter

 Image From RIOC

From the 11/2 - 11/3 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Report:

Burglary/Possession of Stolen Property- PSD arrested subject.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra adds:

The incident took place at 560 Main St.  The subject was known to the victim.  A NYS Public Benefit card and a black telephone book were found in the subject's possession.

Below is the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Blotter for the months of August and September 2010.
Public Safety Blotter August/September

Burglary At Roosevelt Island's Eastwood/Roosevelt Landings Building - Laptop Computer and Digital Camera Taken

Burglar Image From Apartment Whiz

From the Roosevelt Island 9/29 -9/30 Public Safety Report:

Burglary- In apt. NYPD filed a report.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra adds:

NYPD is investigating the incident which occurred at 546 Main St. Two roommates occupy the apartment. Both had left separately in the morning. There was no forced entry. The door had apparently not been locked properly. A laptop and digital camera were taken.

Burglary At Roosevelt Island's Eastwood/Roosevelt Landings - Jewelry & Money Taken

Thief Image From Advocates Studio

The Roosevelt Landings/Eastwood building at 580 Main Street was the site of a recent burglary. According to the 5/18/ - 5/19 Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Report:

Burglary- Resident was not home. Unknown subject gained access and took jewelry and money. PSD and NYPD responded and conducted a search with negative results. PSD and NYPD filed reports.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra adds:

The apartment door was locked and there were no signs of forced entry at all. NYPD Detectives dusted for prints and came up empty.

Burglary, Robbery & Assault At Roosevelt Landings - 4 Suspects Arrested By Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department

Image From RIOC

According to the 4/25 -26 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Report:

Robbery/Burglary/Assault- 4 Subjects arrested by PSD.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra adds:

Please be advised that on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at approximately 9:06pm, four (4) males (off-island residents) forced their way into a ground floor apartment in Roosevelt Landings (via the outdoor porch) and stole a laptop from the living room. The subjects were chased by the 24 year-old victim. He caught up to them and demanded his laptop back. He was then assaulted by them. PSD Officers observed the small chase and immediately pursued from different directions. All four males were apprehended by PSD. One of the four subjects fought with the Officers during his apprehension. Two PSD officers were subsequently injured. The victim and two Officers were treated and released from the hospital. The laptop was returned to the victim.

The four males ranging in age between 19-21 were charged with Burglary, Robbery, Assault, Possession of Stolen Property, Resisting Arrest and Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. They are ... (Name Omitted), age 21 (Bronx resident); ... (Name Omitted), age 19 (Brooklyn resident); ... (Name Omitted), age 21 (Bronx resident) and ... (Name Omitted), age 21 (Bronx Resident).

While at the 114th Precinct for processing, Precinct Detectives ascertained that one of the subjects was wanted in connection of a shooting in the Bronx. Two others had been recently released from Prison; one for Possession of a Firearm. These were four bad individuals, who will hopefully be put away for a long time.

I'd like to especially commend Sgt. Hernandez, Det. Malone, SPO Rivera, SPO Gilmore, SPO Vernet, SPO Clemente and P.O. Fernandez for their courageous efforts in making this arrest.

Roosevelt Island Burgalry Solved and Much Better Communications Between Public Safety Department And RIRA

Image Of Burglary Silhouette From Secured Surroundings

The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department reports:

On Wednesday, January 13, 2010 during the day tour (7 a.m. to 3 p.m.) PSD received a call of a past burglary. On Thursday, January 14, 2010 during the midnight tour (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) PSD received a call regarding a male entering a building without permission. After a search of the building (name omitted for blog) was apprehended on the seventh floor and was identified as the aforementioned male. He was arrested for criminal trespass. A search of this subject revealed him to be in possession of a cell phone. A subsequent investigation proved the phone to be part of property taken during a burglary on January 13, 2010.

While being processed at the 114th Precinct the NYPD Detectives were able to connect the subject to two additional burglaries. The subject is being charged with burglary, criminal possession of stolen property and criminal trespass. He was actually on parole and will probably have his parole violated.

A job well done and a safer community for all thanks to the diligence and professionalism displayed by PSD.

On another matter, I inquired of Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra:

At the January RIRA meeting there was a report concerning allegations made by several taxi cab drivers that Public Safety Officers were using excessive force against them when being pulled over on the street including being punched and elbowed in the face.

Do you have any comment on this allegation?

Mr. Guerra replied:

I have not received one complaint from a Taxi Cab Driver claiming Excessive Force by any of the PSD Officers. However, on the contrary, two-thirds of the complaints we receive about motorists not obeying the Speed Limit, Street Signs or almost hitting pedestrians are made about Taxi & Livery Drivers that come onto the island.

I have instructed the PSD Officers to strictly enforce the Vehicle and Traffic Laws, with special attention to these types of vehicles. When stopped, most respectfully state that they were not familiar with the Island's "Rules of the Road". There are some instances, however, where the Drivers show little-to-no respect for the Uniformed Officers that are trying to do their job. That is usually followed up by the Driver's failure to comply with a Lawful Order, and subsequently - an Arrest.

Some residents would rather the Officers take the Verbal Abuse and Disrespect, and allow these Violators to be let go. The majority of the residents want these Violators dealt with, to insure a Safer Community. I choose to listen to those residents.

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee Chair Feely-Nahem met with Director Guerra on this matter and reports:

Ellen Polivy and I met with Keith. He was forthcoming with the information pertaining to the incident. He had several check and balance systems to add credit to the officer's report. All the reports indicated that the officer's were disrespected, due to the ignorance of the driver of the cab, as to what authority they hold on R.I. We spoke about ways to diffuse this type of situation, maybe by initially explaining who they are and what power they hold on the Island, prior to asking for the driver's info. He seemed somewhat responsive to that. He also shared that the driver, once pepper sprayed and told he was going to be arrested, became compliant and wrote a statement that admitted he had been cursing at the officers, refusing their directions because he was unaware of their position on the Island. Keith felt that one should take into account the danger that Public Safety officer's face on any traffic stop, since they travel one per car, and that at any time a gun could be pulled out and they could be shot. This leads to a certain level of adrenaline. The officer's did admit that one of them also cursed at the taxi driver, telling him to get out of the F------ car, for which Keith reprimanded him and has additional trainings scheduled.

It's good to see the improvement in lines of communication between the Public Safety Department and RIRA during the last year.

UPDATE 1:40 PM - A reader asks in the comments section to this post:

I would to know which building the burglar entered and how he got into that building. I live in Westview, where many of my neighbors routinely open the door at 595 to let people they don't know into the building, rather than making them to walk to the door station at 625. I have always felt that this practice compromises the security of the building and refuse to do it. I know I'm viewed as a curmudgeon.

According to the Public Safety Department:

The burglary occurred on 1/13 at 595 Main St and he was apprehended on 1/14 at 555 Main St

Roosevelt Island Apartment Thefts - Be Careful To Whom You Sublet Or Rent A Room

You Tube Video Of Monty Pyton's I Wish To Report A Burglary

Filed under the category of be careful to whom you sublet or rent a room in your Roosevelt Island apartment. A resident of the Octagon building reported that two chests containing $30,000 worth of jewelry were taken from her apartment by a person renting a room. According to the Roosevelt Island December Public Safety Blotter:

GRAND LARCENY
12/19/2009 888 Main St Victim stated male subject recently rented a room from her. Victim stated subject stole two jewelry chests containing $30,000 worth of jewelry and has not returned to the apartment. Victim will file an NYPD report. Cell phone number of subject was supplied.

Also, from the January 17 -18 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incident Report:

Investigation- A resident sublet an apt. The subletee sold resident's property. PSD and NYPD responded. The matter was referred to Small Claims Court.

Don't Leave Your Front Door Open, Even On Roosevelt Island And Watch Out For Counterfeit Money

Open Apartment Door Image For Illustrative Purposes Only From ImipolexG

In response to post on Roosevelt Island burglaries, a reader wrote:

I would like to think that I live in a community that allows me to leave my door unlocked. If someone enters without permission, they are looking for trouble. It's sad that we have to keep our doors locked, but I guess that's the world we now live in.

To which another reader replied:

wow, if you have that attitude, just hand me your wallet and SS# so I can steal your identity as well. Just post it here on this website, since we live in such a "safe community"

I did not think that people on Roosevelt Island really kept their apartment doors open until I read this from today's Daily Roosevelt Island Public Safety Report:

Missing Property - Tenant reported to PSD that she left her door to apartment open while vacuuming, when unknown person took her pocketbook from kitchen table. PSD responded and made search with negative results. NYPD responded, but no report was taken by NYPD.

There's also someone handing out counterfeit money as reported in to:

Petit Larceny/Counterfeit U.S. Currency - Male subject handed pizza delivery person money for pizza. When delivery person noticed that it was counterfeit, subject fled. Money was taken to NYPD and vouchered. NYPD will look into occurrence.

Recent Reports Of Burglary and Stolen Items On Roosevelt Island

Burglar Cartoon Image from ryebrookroundup

A reader of this post asks:

any info on the burglaries being spoken about on RI?

I reviewed the past week's daily Public Safety Reports and listed below those incidents describing items being stolen.

5/31-6/1
Burglary - Tenant reported to PSD that someone broke into his apartment while he was away. Three game systems and two lap tops were taken. No signs of forced entry. NYPD was on scene and took a report.

0700 hrs 06/01/09 - 0700 hrs 06/02/09

Grand Larceny - Worker reported to PSD that unknown person took wallet from locker room. PSD made search with negative results. Cameras were viewed with negative results. Wallet contained credit cards and no money. Victim stated he will go to 114 pct. on his own.

Petit Larceny - PSD responded to group home for past Petit Larceny. Subject was on scene and taken into custody. Subject was taken to 114 pct. and processed by NYPD.

Investigation/Recovered Bike - Tenant reported to PSD that two youths took bike from patio and attempted to leave with it. Owner grabbed bike. Youths fled without bike. PSD searched area with negative results.

6/3 - 6/4

Investigation - Resident reported that his apartment was burglarized and laptop and DVD player were missing. No signs of forced entry and NYPD refused.

0700 hrs 06/04/09 - 0700 hrs 06/05/09

Investigation - Tenant reported to PSD that after returning from church, she noticed her purse containing money and jewelry missing from her apartment. PSD responded and found no force entry. NYPD refused.

Please let me know if anyone knows of other incidents involving item being stolen on Roosevelt Island.

Here is a breakdown of Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incidents by Category and location for the Months of April and May 2009.