111th Precinct Captain Says Burglary Down, But Grand Larceny on the Rise

Burglaries are down, but grand larcenies are on the rise in northeast Queens, the 111th Precinct’s captain told Community Board 11 at the group’s monthly meeting Monday night.

Jason Huerta, captain of the precinct, said that thieves were targeting vehicles in the community.

“The good news is we’re down 50 percent in burglaries,” Huerta said. “The bad news is that we’re up 50 percent in grand larcenies. We’re seeing some of these 1980s tire and rim thefts happening. These crews really stake out their targets carefully. It’s a tough crime to beat.”

Jerry Iannece, chairman of CB 11, told the board that he was concerned that staffing at the 111th Precinct had significantly dropped during the past few years.

“We’re at dangerously low levels at the 111th Precinct,” he said. “In the city, they think we live in a country club out here. We have one of the largest landmasses in the city and among the least number of officers.”