Overall Crime Down, But Theft Of Rims, Tires On The Rise

111th Precinct Capt. Ronald Leyson told Community Board 11 members last night during the group’s monthly meeting that overall crime was down 8 percent in April and 12 percent for the year.

The captain said the number of grand larcenies in northeast Queens is down 16 percent, but that tire and rims thefts still persist.

“Be mindful of leaving things in your car,” he told the crowd at CB 11’s meeting. “I say this, but it’s like a broken record. People leave their wallets in their cars and think if they put their pocket books under the seat, no one will notice it.”

He said there has also been a recent string of robberies around Springfield Boulevard and the Horace Harding Expressway.

“Youths have been snatching or forcibly taking cell phones,” he said.

CB11 chairman Jerry Iannece announced several upcoming events in the community.

The United Federation of Teachers will honor Community District Education Council 26 President Rob Caloras during a 6:30 p.m. dinner dance at Floral Terrace, located at 250 Jericho Turnpike in Floral Park.

CB 11’s June 6 meeting will be held in the cafeteria at M.S. 158, which is located at 46-35 Oceania St. in Bayside.

Councilman Mark Weprin, D-Oakland Gardens, will hold a town hall meeting at 7:30 p.m. on May 10 at Bellerose’s Queens High School for Teaching, located at 74-20 Commonwealth Blvd. Representatives from several city agencies will be present.