Police Promote Vigilance to Combat West Hempstead Crime

Stolen tires and rims, property thefts from unlocked vehicles, illegal massage parlors and alcohol and drug paraphernalia sales are the most common crimes in West Hempstead.

So far this year, Nassau County Police have filed 846 case reports, issued 566 moving violations, made 126 arrests and stopped, detained and interviewed 41 people they suspected were committing crimes in West Hempstead alone.

Most of the activity has been “crimes of opportunity,” Nassau County Police Sergeant Edward Grimm told residents gathered at the June 14 meeting of the West Hempstead Community Support Association.

Thieves are going car-to-car, trying door handles to see if vehicles are left unlocked, and then, stealing expensive electronics including cell phones, laptops and GPS devices.

It’s a trend that is probably underreported and may be a reflection of the poor economy, Grimm says, but it’s one that be stopped if residents just lock their vehicles, remove valuables from inside or put them out of sight, in the truck, for instance.

He added, “Don’t leave the GPS suction-cupped to the window so it’s a beacon,” attracting potential thieves who come down your block at night.

Thefts of tires and rims is also a major problem county-wide, but especially in the Fifth Precinct, which includes West Hempstead, Lakeview, Franklin Square, Elmont, Valley Stream and North Lynbrook.

The thieves are targeting Nissans, Hondas and other Japanese cars, going after the stock parts. (Grimm says they’ve caught some of the perpetrators when they try to sell the parts on eBay.) Aside from the loss of property, Grimm said this crime also presents a safety concern.

“They are pre-selecting the cars, sending kids out to loosen the lug nuts ahead of time and then coming back to steal them,” he said. This tactic could “cause a serious accident” though, if the owner drives the car not knowing the lug nuts have been loosened.

He suggests anyone who owns these types of cars install locking lug nuts, adding, “Those make it a lot more difficult and they'll move onto another car.”

He also advises residents not to leave their cars parked on the street at night and to make sure no loose bricks are left near the vehicle, as the thieves are using these as lifts.

“They’re like a pit crew. You'd be surprised how fast they work,” Grimm said.

Grimm’s POP officers and Vice Squad have also been focusing on shutting down illegal massage parlors and arresting store clerks who sell alcohol to minors and drug paraphernalia including crack pipes.

“We're the only precinct that has made arrests for drug paraphernalia,” Grimm said.

Both Grimm and Nassau County Auxiliary Police Commander Neal Rosenblatt also fielded concerns from residents regarding dangerous conditions on Hempstead Turnpike and Hempstead Avenue, hypodermic needles discarded near the Lakeview train station, graffiti, gangs, and burglaries.

“We're not seeing the major crimes, but we want to try to eliminate any crime in the area … and stop it before it spreads,” Grimm said.

They encouraged residents to be vigilant, report any suspicious activity to 911 and to be as specific as possible when doing so.

“Never think you're tying up 911,” Grimm said. “It’s your system and your tax dollars. The more you call the more they know something's going on in the area.”

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