by David Cruz, Editor-in-Chief 

Stop, Question and Frisk Appeal Dropped
Mayor Bill deBlasio promised, and now he’s delivered.  In what was a major campaign promise during deBlasio’s road to Gracie Mansion, the city has now dropped its appeal in two-class action lawsuits over the constitutionality of stop-question-and-frisk, preferring to settle the case entirely.  The controversial policy, which for years created a divide between the police and Bronx minority men and women, will now be overseen by a court-appointed monitor, under the terms settled between the city and several Bronx plaintiffs who were stopped, questioned and frisked by police.  Mayor deBlasio called his decision a “defining moment for millions of our families, especially those with young men of color.”  Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., whose borough showed the second highest number of stop, question and frisk incidents in the city, said the policy had “driven a wedge between the police and our communities…”  He hopes the move will now create an atmosphere where people are treated respectfully.  The now previous Bloomberg Administration was adamant in reversing federal judge Shira A. Scheindlin’s decision when the case worked its way in Federal District Court, citing that the law violated the 4th and 14th Amendment to the Constitution.  Whether this shift in tone will promote a friendlier relationship between police and public remains to be seen, though supporters of stop-question-and-frisk maintain the law could seriously compromise safety in the city.  Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch blasted the decision, suggesting the process would hinder officers from doing its job.  “Our goal is to continue to be involved in the process in order to give voice to our members and to make every effort to ensure that their rights are protected,” said Lynch.

Copycat Thief
The Five-Two’s on the hunt for a thief who struck twice in Kingsbridge this month, making off with hundreds of dollars in valuables.  The suspect first broke into an apartment on Bailey Avenue on Thursday, January 16 during broad daylight, stealing jewelry, cash and several Apple products.  He struck again just a week later, copying the same steps as the previous crime by breaking into an apartment building during broad daylight and stealing jewelry, cash and several Apple products.  Thankfully, no one was injured.  Surveillance video captured a picture of the suspect for the dual burglaries–a Hispanic man in his 40s, standing at 5’ 9” tall with a medium build.  He was seen wearing the same black hat, black and grey jacket with a white stripe and black sneakers.  The public is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pickpocket Mommy on the Loose
A snatch and grab thief, who took her baby along, is still out there, and police at the Five-Two need your help in tracking her.  The thief, rolling a baby stroller, unsuspectingly robbed someone of their wallet as the victim waited on line inside a Burger King at 215 Fordham Road on January 4th at noon.  The suspect came from behind and slowly lifted the wallet from the victim’s purse, making off with $80 and various credit cards.  Surveillance video caught the thief in action.  Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prowler Itching To Burglarize
The 52nd Precinct’s are on the lookout for a burglar with a penchant to sneak in apartment buildings and make off with property.  Police say the crook’s been at it since November, with reports he broke into an apartment near Morris Avenue on November 4th only to walk away empty-handed.  He got even more brazen on November 14th during a daylight burglary hit, walking into the front door of a Grand Concourse home and stealing a laptop.  Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers.

 

 

Catalytic Converter Crooks
An unusual crime is happening right underneath your car, and police at the Five-Two are warning you about it.  Reports have spiked throughout the city over the theft of catalytic converters, mechanized car filters composed of a mix of precious metals that often include platinum, rhodium and palladium.  Thieves often scope out cars that have been left in isolated areas for a prolonged time, and once the coast is clear they duck to the bottom of the car.  Using a battery saw, the thief can cut the converter in less than a minute and make off with the piece.  Cars without a converter tend to gravely roar when it starts.  Precious metals are in high demand these days, which often run upwards to $150 should a theft sell the metal to a scrap yard.  Police departments are issuing crackdowns by heading to junk shops to ensure owners ask for ID to anyone bringing a converter.  They also warn drivers to move their car periodically to prevent the thief from getting the upper hand.