Police Beat

BY JASON FIELDS

$4,700 burglary

1. A burglary took place on Dec. 3 at the Caridad restaurant, located at 139 W. Kingsbridge Road, police said. Men who showed up to work at 6 a.m. found the kitchen door open and, fearing for their safety, went back outside, they told police. As they watched the door, two males ran out and toward the facility’s parking lot. While the burglars were inside, they allegedly stole $4,700 cash and a Dell laptop computer, police said. They also tried to break into a safe and destroyed one surveillance camera. Another camera was still functional, and the restaurant’s owner told police that footage of the burglary is available. No one has been arrested for the crime.

2. Mugging at school

A 15-year-old student on the John F. Kennedy Campus, 99 Terrace View Ave., was mugged on a first-floor staircase as he was leaving the cafeteria, according to a police report. His alleged assailants shoved him against the wall and covered his face with his own jacket, while one of the victim’s friends looked on, then unsuccessfully tried to help, police said. The teenager’s brown Marmot jacket was taken. “If you say anything we will hurt you,” the attackers reportedly said. The case is still open.

3. Street robbery

A 44-year-old woman walking on the 2700 block of Webb Avenue was robbed Nov. 30, at 8 p.m. She told police she was approached from behind by a man who appeared to be helping someone in a gold Honda to park the car. He took her purse and the man then jumped into the car and the Honda took off, police said. The woman said she wasn’t able to see the license plate on the car and that the robber got away with an $800 check made out to the woman, $86 in cash, an earring, her MetroCard, checkbook and credit cards. No arrests have been made.

4. Burglary on Strong Street

The apartment of a 71-year-old woman was robbed while she was out for a doctor’s appointment on Dec. 3, police said. Thieves got away with a Dell laptop, a 42-inch plasma TV, and a plasma TV/DVD combo player, some time around 4:30 p.m., the victim reported. The door to the apartment, in the 80 block of Strong Street, wasn’t locked and had been broken for weeks, she told police.

Holiday notes from the police

The 50th Precinct is reminding local residents to remain on their guard through the holidays as high-end gifts can make attractive targets. The precinct is increasing foot patrols to discourage the increase in crime that often happens throughout the city at this time of year.

Additionally, local business owners are reminded that police can’t take gratuities of any kind, no matter how well intentioned.

Coat drive

The 50th Precinct is collecting coats and canned goods for people in need, from now until Friday, Jan. 1. Donations can be made all day. For further information, call Police Officer Mindy Ramos, 718-543-5978.

Items in Police Beat are based on reports of crimes and arrests. Those arrested are not guilty unless they are convicted by a court.

This is part of the December 10, 2009 online edition of The Riverdale Press.

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