March 20, 2026

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111 Precinct - Trending Crime

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Here is what is currently trending crime wise in the 111 Precinct. Some topics are similar to what you have seen in the last email, for as they are still ongoing issues that the 111 Precinct is still facing. I have updated the numbers and locations for the most recent occurrence. 

 

• Burglaries - which is houses/homes/buildings being broken into.

  This is something that is ongoing and still occurring so please do your best to secure your home and prevent anyone from entering without permission. If you see anyone suspicious, looking into people's houses, or going into backyards that shouldn't be there, please call 911 so we can respond over there. Even if it turns out to be nothing or a misunderstanding, we will come out and determine if a crime has been committed.

  • In the past 28 days, there have been 15 reports of houses being broken into (A decrease of 21.1% compared to similar time period last year when we took 19 reports). Do not take this for granted! Secure your home!

  • The burglaries that happened were spread out and have occurred in all of our four sectors (Adam, Boy, Charlie, and David) that make up the 111 Precinct. The times of these occurring seem to be mixed between the morning/afternoon into the afternoon/evening hours. Window entry was the most common means of entry into these homes, accounting for 12 out of the 15.

  • The Patrol Borough of Queens North recently started a new unit, Queens North Residential Burglary Apprehension Unit, that will have a home in the 111 Precinct. This unit will specialize in specific areas of crime and will be addressing Burglaries as one of their top priorities. This unit will be investigating crime throughout Queens which will include the 111 Pct but not limited to the other 7 commands that make up Queens North.   

  • I have attached tips and recommendations that you can do to make your house more secure. Please read them over and even if you do one thing on the list, it is better than doing nothing.

    • Please make sure you close and lock your windows and doors, on all floors, when you are not home and overnight to help prevent anyone entering your house. 

    • Make sure your residence is illuminated with items like flood lights that are preferably motion activated.

    • Have a house alarm system installed that has the ability to dispatch Police services through a central monitoring system.

    • Install cameras around the residence, whether they are supported and over Wi-Fi or hardwired. 

 

• Grand Larceny of Autos - which means criminals stealing vehicles

  • In the past 28 days, there have been a total of 35 vehicles that have been stolen (An increase of 66.7% compared to similar time period last year where we took 21 reports). Out of those vehicles, they are targeting Honda CRVs and Toyota Highlanders. Of the 35 that were taken, 26 of them were those two vehicles.

  • For the newer model vehicles, there is no key that goes into the ignition. They are "keyless" which allows a key fob to send a signal to your vehicle and if its close enough, it starts your vehicle. Criminals have found a way to duplicate that signal and are able to duplicate your key fob signal as if it's your own key. This can be done as long as they are close enough to intercept that signal, even from within your own home. 

  • We recommend the following:

    • For those who have the key fob/Push-to-Start ignition, please do not keep those keys close to the front door or a part of the house where your car is the closest. Many people store their keys directly behind the front door which is a very close distance for someone picking up that signal. Similar to methods of blocking credit cards from being scanned, they now make boxes/storage systems that you can place your keys inside of to block the signal from the key to the vehicle. Look for items that are RFID protected.

    • Always lock your vehicle and activate the alarm, if equipped. 

    • Park in well-lit areas and choose areas where cameras are visible.

    • You may have seen them and thought they are a thing of the past, but using a steering wheel lock can save your vehicle from being taken. This will prevent the wheel from turning unless you unlock it. Even if someone gets your car started, they can't drive a car they can't steer.

 

• Grand Larceny of Vehicular Equipment - We have seen a series of crimes that involve the theft of vehicle equipment that could means your tires and rims, your vehicle emblems that contain sensors, airbags, catalytic converts, etc. This type of crime has seen a 300% increase with 28 reported cases compared to similar time period last year where we took 7 reports). Today we will talk about the two that have hit the hardest last in the last month or so, Tires and Rims and Airbags.

  • Tires and Rims

    • Thieves are targeting your tires and rims and removing them from your vehicle, often leaving your vehicle on milk crates or bricks.

    • Some of the cars being targeted are newer model Honda CRV, Acura MDX, and Lexus RX series. 

    • We recommend the following:

      • Upgrade your alarm on the vehicle to include a "shock sensor" or similar upgraded alarm systems like a vibration alarm that give more warnings to things like your car being lifted off the ground.

      • Park in well-lit areas with cameras visible.

      • Use lug nuts that have a locking feature which requires a specific tool to unlock versus the universal lug nut wrench.

      • When parking, we have seen that turning your wheel toward the curb may prevent your tires from being taken because it creates a physical barriers. Try it and take a look next time you park. It actually obstructs the path of your front tires from coming smoothly off the vehicle and also makes it harder to reach the lug nuts.

  • Airbag Theft

    • Thieves are targeting your airbags located in your steering wheel. They will break your window in order to get into your car and remove this item

    • The cars that are being targeted are the newer model (2022-2026) Honda CRV. It is very clear that these cars are being targeted. We had 22 thefts and 18 were airbags from Honda CRVs.

    • We recommend the following:

      • Upgrade your alarm on the vehicle to include a "shock sensor" or similar upgraded alarm systems like a vibration alarm that give more warnings to things like your car being lifted off the ground or your glass being broken.

      • Park in well-lit areas with cameras visible.

      • Steering wheel lock or commonly called "the club". This is a device that locks your steering wheel with a removable key. This is a great deterrent because it creates a visual presence showing that your steering wheel is locked as well as a physical barrier in case anyone is trying to get your airbag or take your entire car. 

 

• SCAMS - It's that time of the year where we have seen increases in criminals taking advantage of whoever they can, but mostly the elderly community. These scams come in many different ways including the use of Gift Cards. The main thing to watch out for is the sense of urgency. They will try and trick you quickly before you can call someone or have time to think about it.

  • Governmental Agency (IRS or FBI), local police (NYPD or Sherrif's), demanding that you pay them in gift cards or else you will get arrested. We DO NOT and never will ask you for an exchange of funds for your freedom. That is not how any law enforcement agency operates and this is a SCAM.

  • Lottery - Congratulations, you won the lottery!!! But pay me 1,500 dollars in Target gift cards and then I will transfer you your million dollars. Sounds too good to be true right? Because it is. This is a very common one that people unfortunately do fall for it because everyone gets excited over the thought of winning the lottery. Any questions regarding winning the lottery in New York, go to the official NY lottery website or the New York Gaming commission for confirmation. They will be happy to guide you in the right direction and how to pay taxes on your winnings.

  • Barcode Scam - This is a newer one that you should play close attention to when in the stores. We purchase gift cards the same way you normally would, grab the card, pay an amount and it's loaded on the card. We have seen that criminals make stickers of fake barcodes and put them over the real one. When you go to purchase that same card, thinking its new, whatever money you put on there will be taken almost instantly right into the criminals wallet because of that barcode. You won't know this information until you try and use the card to find a balance of zero dollars. Look to make sure the barcodes match on the card, packaging, and receipt.

  • Check Cashing - We have had some instances in parts of Brooklyn where and unknown male is hanging around banks or check cashing locations asking people for help. This male produces a check, which is fraudulent and will not cash, and say I am having trouble cashing this, can you help. The nice and unsuspecting victim takes that check and deposits it into their account and then takes out the specified amount giving it to the male. This check will show up as pending and will be rejected shortly after leaving you out of your own money. In many cases, the banks will not be quick to reimburse you because it is something you voluntarily chose to do. Be careful and use common sense. This man is outside a bank asking me for a simple task the bank can do, why is he asking me and not going to the bank teller? Should raise a red flag 🚩 

• Community Council Meeting - Will be held on 04/07/2026, Tuesday @ 7:30 PM inside the 111 Precinct (45-06 215 Street). A good opportunity to hear updates and express any issues/concern(s) directly to our officers. No need to RSVP, if you are available, we will see you there.

 

• Steering Wheel Lock giveaway - Wanted to spread the word that the 111 Precinct will be hosting a Steering Wheel Lock giveaway on April 11, 2026, Saturday @ 10AM at Alley Pond Park Parking Lot (closest street intersection is Springfield Blvd and 76 Avenue). We will soon have a flyer with more details such as who is eligible to recieve a free steering wheel lock. Once that becomes available, I will send it out to everyone!

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Respectfully,

Police Officer John Wright

111 Precinct - Crime Prevention Officer

45-06 215 Street

Bayside, NY 11361                                            

Precinct Main: 718-279-5200

Department Cell: 929-990-5147

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March 19, 2026

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See What the Tiny House in your Backyard or your Neighbors Backyard can Look Like

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​Click here to see the City's preapproved ADU designs

 

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