The New York Police Department’s 109th Precinct Commander, Kevin Coleman, discussed the recent public safety situation in the Flushing area during the 2024 annual meeting of the Flushing Business Improvement District on June 13th. Coleman noted a decrease in crime rates within the precinct but emphasized a recent trend where individuals have been targeted for robbery while conducting private currency exchanges, as well as issues related to fraud and pickpocketing.
To address the issue of illegal street vendors on Main Street, Coleman announced the establishment of a special enforcement team within the 109th Precinct to crack down on these vendors. Enforcement efforts have been expanded from operating five days a week to a continuous seven-day enforcement schedule in response to vendors exploiting enforcement patterns to conduct illicit vending activities on off-days.
Coleman highlighted the recent spike in crimes involving robberies during private currency exchanges. Victims arranging currency swaps through social media platforms like WeChat have been lured to meet in specific locations in Flushing, only to fall victim to robbery, with criminals resorting to physical violence and, in some cases, brandishing firearms to rob the victims of sums ranging from a few thousand dollars to as high as thirty thousand dollars.
In light of these incidents, Coleman issued a warning advising against engaging in currency exchanges with unfamiliar individuals, as it increases the risk of becoming targets for criminal activities. Instead, he recommended utilizing the services of banks or legitimate financial institutions for currency exchange transactions.
Furthermore, Coleman addressed the issue of jewelry scams targeting elderly individuals. Scammers typically engage in friendly conversation with potential victims, divert their attention, and then proceed to swap authentic jewelry with fake items under the guise of a complimentary gesture, ultimately stealing the victim’s genuine jewelry in the process.
Regarding pickpocketing incidents prevalent in the central Flushing area, Coleman emphasized the need for vigilance in crowded and bustling environments, as such locales often attract thieves. He cautioned against leaving bags unattended or placed behind while dining in restaurants, as this presents an opportunity for opportunistic thieves to commit theft unnoticed.
Coleman also expressed concerns over the problems posed by illegal motorcycles and scooters in the area. He stressed the importance of proper registration for motorcycles and warned that unregistered bikes would face confiscation and destruction. Additionally, he highlighted how criminals exploit illegal motorcycles for various crimes, including robberies and shootings. Moreover, the reckless behavior of scooter riders, such as disregarding traffic signals and riding on sidewalks, poses significant safety risks and requires riders to prioritize safety measures while operating their vehicles on the roads.