Police Task Force Targets Street Robberies Spike

An increase in the number of street robberies within the First Precinct is the focus of a new undercover task force effort. Police say robbers are looking to steal iPods, smartphones, cash and jewelry in snatch-and-grab incidents.

According to police two thirds of the robberies are taking place between the hours of 1 p.m. and midnight, with walkers and bike riders as prime targets. Eight COPE patrol officers have been temporarily reassigned into plainclothes for the task force effort.

In the past month there were three robberies in Lindenhurst, two in West Babylon and one in Babylon, according to crime statistics provided during the monthly community forum held Wednesday night at the precinct.

Here is a breakdown of crime stats for the past month:

Home Burglaries (52 total)
Babylon            2
West Babylon    9
Lindenhurst       0
North Lindenhurst 1

Commercial Burglaries (49 total)
Babylon 0
West Babylon 9
Lindenhurst  3
North Lindenhurst 1

There were no handgun or assault incidents reported in the Babylon and Lindenhurst communities.

Overall the precinct made 691 arrests during the month, including 12 related to 24 burglaries and five related to six commercial burglaries.

There were 436 motor vehicle accidents, 96 where injuries occurred and 48 where drivers left the scene. Police made 28 DWI arrests during the past month.

There were three stolen car reports in West Babylon.

Police are continuing to investigate a series of rooftop commercial burglaries, which has become a crime trend across the Long Island region, according to police. The investigation regarding the burglary at Babylon Village Hall remains an active case.

During the meeting representatives from the Suffolk County Police Bias Crime Unit presented information about their department and public educational outreach efforts.

The next police community forum will be held Thursday, January 5 at 7 p.m. at the precinct located on Route 109.