CEMCO Talks Crime as Holiday Season Approaches

Local crime issues were a hot topic of discussion during the weekly Council of East Meadow Community Organizations (CEMCO) monthly meeting on Nov. 22.

East Meadow resident and avid member of East Meadow Citizen's Patrol, Bill Alderman, raised the ongoing concern of automobile break-ins.

"They're looking to steal a GPS, a knapsack, anything," Alderman said. "But people are leaving their cars unlocked. People are claiming they're ransacking their cars, but they don't lock it."

Elizabeth Fries, CEMCO's corresponding secretary, mentioned an incident near the area of Seventh Street in East Meadow that has left area residents angry.

"An individual is walking the streets stealing the newspapers from our recycling bins," said Fries, shocked at the measure's people take to sell recyclables. "It's not just people driving like it used to be. People are walking and doing it."

Fries also touched on precautions to take when out shopping to avoid being a victim of theft, especially in the coming months.

"I was amazed today how many women I saw running from one place to another in the store while they leave their pocketbooks at the front of the wagon and just turn around and walk away," she said. "Tis the season. Everybody needs to be aware."

The following is a recent report of findings from the East Meadow Citizen's Patrol:

1. More than one home off the corner of Richmond Rd. and Rose Ln. with their from doors open or ajar for lengthy times in the evening between 8-11 p.m.
2. Unlocked vehicles parked near the corners of Preston Rd. and Luddington Rd. on the street and in the driveways with their doors unlocked.
3. A red pick-up at the 7/11 on Hempstead Turnpike and Carmen Ave, engine running with no persons in or near the vehicle.
4. A budget rental truck, plate #2FR710 Oklahoma running through two stop signs on Eric Ln. at 9:15 p.m.