Police Blotter

Police in both the 79^th and 81^st Precincts say robberies are up, with electronics being the #1 target.

At the 81^st Precinct Community Council meeting on December 14^th, Inspector Juanita Holmes said hand-held electronics, such as cell phones and MP3 players, are the most common items that are stolen.

Holmes says that perpetrators usually target people as they are walking down the street and heading home from work, because they are tired. Also, they look for victims who are talking on their device, when they are distracted. They usually approach them from behind and then flee, she said.

Holmes also said Bed-Stuy residents also should be aware of a rash of robberies at bus stops where the perpetrator waits at the bus stop, pretending as though they are also waiting to board. Then the perpetrator will wait for passengers to take out their wallet while boarding the bus, at which time the perpetrator will snatch the wallet and flee on foot.

Holmes says the perpetrators are usually black males; they are very young; and they are very quick.

79^th Precinct:

Crack House Raid

On December 11^th, Police made six arrests and recovered 215 vials of crack following the raid of an apartment in the Marcy Houses. Police said they knew about the crack operation for about a month, but needed to gather enough evidence to obtain a search warrant. Ammunition also was recovered, said police, but no guns.

"The feedback from the residents following the raid was very appreciative," said police sources.  "It was very disturbing for them to have drug traffic going in and out of the building to make purchases."

Jerk chicken holdup

On December 9^th, at 9:30 pm, Bickles, a popular jerk restaurant at 1118 Fulton Street, was held up at gunpoint. The man was described as in his mid-twenties, walked into the restaurant and brandished a silver handgun. He demanded and removed money, before fleeing on foot. Police are asking anyone from the public that may have information on the crime to call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

81^st Precinct:

Shooting Sends Man to the Hospital

A 25-year-old man was shot once in the shoulder and is expected to recover, police said. The shooting occurred on Friday, December 10^th, at about 2:00 am at the corner of Patchen Avenue and Monroe Street. The victim was taken to Interfaith Hospital. Police are investigating the incident.

Two People Shot in a Domestic Violence Dispute

A 23-year-old man shot in the arm and a 26-year-old man shot in the back. The dispute occurred Saturday, December 11^th at about 8:30 pm, in front of 967 Putnam Avenue. Both victims were taken to Brookdale Hospital, where they are expected to recover. Police made an arrest, but did not provide further details.