Police Blotter: Police Impersonators Busted at Front Door

Crime is up 118 percent in the 81st precinct (35 incidents versus 16 incidents) for the week of January 23 - January 29, compared to this same week in 2011. For the month, crime is up 11 percent (98 incidents versus 88 incidents), compared to this 28-day period in 2011. And year to date, crime is up 8 percent (99 incidents versus 92), compared to this same time period last year:

On Wednesday, February 1, at approximately 7:00 a.m., police executed a warrant surrounding a suspected drug operation taking place on Hart Street and Lewis Avenue. Police entered the residence where they recovered 10 bags of marijuana, a scale and close to $1,000 in cash. They arrested three men, ages 50, 31 and 25 years old. The men are in jail.

On Wednesday, February 1, at approximately 12:30 a.m., a home invasion took place on Ralph Avenue. According to police reports, four men tried to force their way into a residence on Ralph Avenue near Brevoort Houses where one resident was present. Upon entry, the suspects demanded of the victim money. When he said he had no money, the suspects pistol-whipped him, punched and kicked him, according to the victim. They fled on foot with the man's iPod. The victim called police and provided a description and direction of their flight. Police were able to catch up with two of the perpetrators, ages 17 and 19. The men were arrested for robbery in the first degree. The investigation continues for the capture and arrest of the other two suspects.

On Wednesday, February 8, at approximately 1:00 a.m., two men tried to gain entry into a resident's home by impersonating police officers. According to the police report, the two men posing as officers, described as one black male and one Hispanic male dressed in plain clothes, knocked on the door of a residence at Gates Avenue, between Patchen and Ralph Avenues, demanding to be let in. When the tenant requested identification and the two men were unable to provide it, the tenant then called 911. Both suspects fled the scene before police officers arrived.