From a reader:
I was walking towards Myrtle on Clinton (between Dekalb and Willoughby)
this afternoon around 3 when someone tried to take my purse. I held on
to it as I turned around and it was a group of 6 to 10 kids. I tried
fighting back but then they knocked me down to the ground and started
kicking me. Fortunately, a gentleman crossed the street and scared them
off. He helped me up and waited until I told him I was ok before he
left. But then a girl, who said saw the whole thing, told me that the
same kids did the same thing to a guy walking a dog on Clinton Ave. last
night. She recommended I write you thinking maybe with enough
complaints, something could get done.
I did call the cops, and they did come by and told me they would be
looking for them. These kids were just out of school with nothing to do
and, without a cop in sight, decided maybe they could get a quick buck.
I’ve been in this neighborhood for the last 8 years and been mugged and
beaten now 4 times. I understand the cops have better things to do, but
these kids were not older than 16 (thankfully, otherwise I don’t think I
would have fared as well), and if given the opportunity, may grow up to
commit the same, if not worse crimes to someone else.
Again, more crime committed by what seems to be a restless group of teens. How can we get the cops to patrol during after-school hours? And as for the part about cops “having better things to do,” I disagree. I’d say making our streets safe DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS is a pretty main responsibility.
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39 Comments
This also happened last night…
http://savebrooklynnow.blogspot.com/2008/03/murder-on-fulton-street-88th-precinct.html
I’m sorry to hear about this. In my days from being around here, it’s usually not the kids in Clinton Hill doing the mugging in Clinton Hill(I plan to do a post about this very thing). And even with added police presence, they will not and cannot be on every single block all the time. Point being there’s always the possibility of crime occuring. Even in this nice neighborhood..especially in this area when you still have people in surrounding areas on the bottom end of the socioeconomic ladder(this not making excuses for them TRUST me!) So what can we do?! First off walk with your head high and be alert. Second be sure to converse and interact with neighbors. Ideally I’d like to think that ppl would help each other in a time of distress regardless if they know em’ or not. But I have to think there’s more incentive to put your neck on the line when you actually know someone…even as merely an aquaintence. At the end the day this is NYC. PLEASE stay on point at ALL times…but at the same time do NOT let these fools stop you from living your life.
-clintonhillchill
Here’s a better link (Gothamist)
http://gothamist.com/2008/03/26/brooklyn_rapper.php
I love a chick who can take a beatin’
Even the incident last night was the spillover of some beef in another nabe. The victim was from Bed Stuy, it sucks for the hood that he just got caught in the hood. And it’s sad of course that another life has been taken by gun violence.
While not directly on point, but related to crime generally, has anyone else noticed the incredible increase in smashed car windows? Over the past week, I’ve seen three cars with smashed windows, and so many piles of glass that I’ve lost count.
yo lester, it’s way more complicated than simply over-policing the neighborhoods where whiter people have moved or where black folks have gotten a bit older. it’s up to you, but if you encourage a broader debate on your blog, it will reduce the racist knucklehead comments that are bound to flow in.
Fishing…
A broader debate is most definitely necessary; however, most of the issues that make up the “more complicated” side of things require reform at the macro level – which in most cases community members have little control over apart from contacting their representatives.
That said, an increased police presence will obviously not solve the greater issues that plague parts of the city, yet it will create a sense of security that law-abiding community members seek, regardless of their skin color. It’s debatable as to whether or not this police presence creates more hostility with troubled youth but I can say that I’d feel safer after a string of murders and robberies to see a few cops actually walking the streets, and getting to know the community, from ALL perspectives.
It’s definitely a complicated issue. Those who are quick to generalize and pass judgment on people outside of the very few delinquent youth who do these things are just as naive as those who believe leading a lifestyle of drug dealing and murdering is acceptable and excusable.
@ HillBill
Another case of me missing the joke. You’ll have to explain to me the humor of a woman getting knocked down, kicked and robbed.
I’m willing to give you a chance though so why don’t you give it a go.
This is so ridiculous. I’m somewhat new to the area: does Clinton Hill have a neighborhood watch? Sounds like we could use one. I bet we’d be amazed at what some people sitting out on their stoops at certain hours or standing at key places in the neighborhood where this stuff has been happening could do to scare off a group of unarmed kids.
I’m making a map of locations this has happened (the few I’m aware of through this blog. Can anyone out there give me more specifics?). Maybe there’s a pattern? Maybe I’ve been watching too much of The Wire?
To the reader who shared her story: so sorry this happened to you. I’m glad you weren’t hurt too badly.
Seeing a bunch of cops walking around makes roughly the same amount of uncomfortable as seeing a bunch of schoolkids doing the same. They are both looking for an excuse to beat your ass if they think can get away with it.
Ok Lesterhead, I’m not quite sure how long you’ve lived here, but sometimes I find your posts concerning crime issues to be a little hysterical in tone…..what we need here is dialogue, vigilance, and street smarts, not a police presence that will make ALL feel like they’re living in a military state! Further resentment of the newer inhabitants of the hood will only flourish further. That said, I completely agree with #8 and #11. I’ve lived here for 7 years, and have made a point to maintain a rapport with the neighborhood locals, young & old. It’s not Utopia, but neither is Manhattan.
I remember seeing some blog with a map of crimes in brooklyn. If you were mugged you could add it to the map to make others aware. It wasnt complete & I beleve It was linked through one of these threads. Dose anyone know what I’m talking of ? I dont remember the link. Sorry.
This isn’t it but this is interesting…
http://nyc.everyblock.com/locations/zip-codes/11205/
I think this is what you’re looking for….
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=106641398518181392265.0004445476e19d4eff6cd
It’s a great resource and it’s shocking to see how frequent muggings are in a neighborhood like Park Slope even.
Also refer to http://www.brooklynian.com
The formerly Catholic administrative building on Greene and Adelphi now houses up to 100 male teenagers who are “too troubled” to be managed full time by their parents. Many are wondering if the recent increase in muggings by groups of teenage boys isn’t coming from that group.
I teach in Bed-Stuy. A student of mine (who was honestly a really good, respectful kid) was indirectly involved in a shooting was sent to an “alternative” school comprised of students who are involved in major incidents outside of the school or frequently suspsended at school. He faught the placement with no success and is now in the process of enrolling in a GED program.
This seems counter-productive to me? Sticking a bunch of difficult youth together in the same place and not giving them the psychological and social support that they need, and are in some cases, seeking. Lets not forget to mention the fact that academics are surely not emphasized in a place like this.
Seems like a recipe for disaster…
Contact the local police precinct, which in your case is the 88 Precinct. Specifically, contact the Community Affairs Officers. These types of complaints are what they deal with. Do not go through the typical desk sergeant route, as the offense you describe probable will not incite a response, unfortunately. The community affairs number at the 88 Pct is: Community Affairs: (718) 636-6526. Good luck.
I would be very interested in a neighborhood watch, so if there is anyone who knows of a group that’s already putting this into action, please let me know!
On another note, I don’t think Lesterhead or anyone else calling attention to pretty significant violent crimes is saying that the neighborhood has to intrinsically change. I can’t speak for all newcomers, but I know that I’m trying to connect with the community in a way that will hopefully make it a great place to live for everyone involved. Of course Manhattan has its dangers too, but the beauty of Brooklyn is that there’s a more defined sense of community, so when bad things do happen, we can at least try to do something about it.
If it’s mostly high school-aged kids doing this, I think the cops should be proactive and start working more closely with the neighboring schools to figure out who is doing it, raise awareness of consequences, etc.
birdbath: I’m with you. Better we take responsibility for our own neighborhood than turn it into a police state. Maybe you and I could talk about getting something started? I honestly have no idea about how to go about something like this but I’m sure we could figure it out.
SFK: I had the same thought.
It’s complicate issue, definitely, and not one with an easy answer. However, I do not think Lesterhead, or anybody else, is incorrect in asking for more police presence in the after school hours. Police presence is common in ALL neighborhoods during these hours. For a reason. Our neighborhood shouldn’t be any different.
I agree with you too, Jess, about an increased police presence. I think there could be a balance of more patrolling and also community vigilance. I once called the precinct to see if there could be more patrolling on Fulton late at night, since I was walking home one night and was harrassed a number of times. They said the best way to make this suggestion would be at one of their monthly meetings. I wasn’t able to attend, but I think for anyone who’s interested in both making their complaints heard in the precinct as well as among community members, this would be the place to start.
I live right near Myrtle on Clinton and many people in my building have also been mugged right there. I have certainly seen large packs of teenagers as this woman described countless times (and can say with confidence that my delivered NY Times finds its way into their hands more often than my own) and would encourage any of you who can speak firsthand to the restless teen problem to not only contact the police precinct, but maybe more importantly, contact the high school where they are all coming from – the Benjamin Banneker Academy on Clinton. These are their students, and they need to at least be made aware of the problems and/or crimes they are causing. The high school sometimes posts teachers afterschool at the Clinton/Myrtle intersection, which seems to be somewhat effective. Perhaps the school could work with the local police to make sure this intersection is covered in those late afternoon hours.
Contact Info: Principal Daryl Rock
718-797-3702
I used to really like the clinton hill blog, but recently I feel that lately, it has become more about logging crime events then celebrating the new and wonderful elements of Clinton Hill. What happened to the pedicure/interviews at the Polish Shop? What happened to pointing out the new stores or observations on our hood? What happened to rounds up of new eateries or local events? Crime happens. It happens in Park Slope, the Upper East Side, Midtown, and yes, damn it, even the suburbs. But that doesn’t mean this blog has to continually record them and let us know how “freaked out” the residents of Clinton Hill should be. Comments like “OMG” and WTF” are not constructive. There are also plenty of police patrolling the beat in our neighborhood; I see them handing out parking tickets, seatbelt tickets and generally, finding ways to increase city revenue. Calling for more policemen to reduce crime is a simplistic reponse to a complicated problem. As for the person who lives on Clinton near Myrtle, I do not think teenagers are stealing your NY Times newspaper.
Exactly!
Thanks Michael for the link. Yes that is the one I was thinking of.
Anne, I personally like to be aware of crime in my hood as well as other happenings. It lets me know what to do.
Anne-this blog discusses everything about our neighborhood and I am thankful for it.
Thank god there are people who care and want to be involved instead of hiding or just hoping things will get better on their own. I live in this neighborhood with my young daughter and appreciate knowing details of crimes happening down the block from us.
If you just want store openings and fluff, I’m sure there are plenty of other sites you can find.
i live only a couple blocks away but iam at work at this time but if i were around you can be sure i would be carrying a baseball bat to smash some skulls in if need be.
Oh, Anne, but teenagers from Benjamin Banneker ARE stealing the New York Times. After my paper was stolen more times than I’d like to count, my intrepid mother (who was visiting for the weekend) staked out our stoop on Clinton (near Myrtle) and caught a Banneker student swiping the paper. We called the principal, but to no avail …
The thing to take away from this is that you need to stay alert when you are walking alone. You live in a city and crime happens. A neighborhood watch isn’t going to change this. Be aware of your surroundings and if something happens make sure you report it.
Don’t walk around at night listening to your ipods. People notice that and they can sneak up behind you. If you wear an engagement ring – or have any other expensive jewelry – turn the diamond around so that it’s in your palm. Sometimes I get freaked out if I’m going somewhere and I’ll just take it off (I know, I know) and stick it in the 5th, smaller pocket on my jeans. Also, if you are just running out to buy milk, use a smaller wallet that just holds cash so if you did get mugged, you would only be out of money and not your CC, DL, etc.
This may all be redundant to some of you, but I wrote it in the event that someone didn’t.
And ALWAYS walk with your head held high and make eye contact – if they know that they have your attention, the element of surprise is taken away and that is what most of them want is to catch you off guard. AND ALWAYS TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.
Just curious, does anyone know anything about this…. I live on Waverly btwn Park and Myrtle, about 2 or 3 times a day there is a man that yells a certain yell (always the same one) loud enough to echo down the block or to the next block. When I lived on Myrtle and Washington I knowticed the same thing but it was a different call sound. My guess is that they are drug dealers sounding off to eachother about cop sightings ect.
About a week ago, a group of teens (boys and girls) were following me home from work walking East on Lafayette for about four blocks. They were keeping two steps behind me, cursing, yelling, etc… and making me feel very intimidated. I turned onto Waverly and approached the first person I came upon and said, “there’s a group of teenagers that have been following me..”. I couldn’t even get another word out when this women (who was with a young child) actually yelled at me, stating that I was “disgusting” and that I was “the problem” and should “go back where I came from”. I was so taken aback that when reaching out to a neighbor for help this was the responce I received. The group of teens actually followed me all the way back to my block, where thankfully, I was able to sit down with some older gentlemen on one of the stoops until they left and I was able to safely get home.
I know we all need to keep our heads up and be alert, and I would hope that we would all be more receptive to others in need than this women was to me.
ns, even though you had this outcome I think what you did was a good and smart move.
nothing scarier than being followed by a bunch of coloreds.
re:#34
I would have helped you. I don’t know how, but I would have, even if I had to use my child as a human shield.(sorry, sometimes, I can’t help myself) I seriously would help anyone, if I could.
ns, It sounds like that woman forgot to take her meds that day.
guest # 36, what are you talking about ? Are you trying to be sarcastic ? Hmmmm?
We have had our NY Times stolen many times, and it has increased dramatically in the past two weeks (3 times). We are both up by 7.00 but I have also noticed that this has become a more frequent issue. And we’ve lived here for almost 15 years.
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