NYPD patrols, towers seek to deter thieves after burglary spike - Fox 2 News Headlines

NYPD patrols, towers seek to deter thieves after burglary spike

A police watchtower keeps an eye on Midland Avenue in Staten Island, one of several areas hard hit by hurricane sandy and hit by looters.

Resident Richard Cicciari says, "Before they put these lights up, it was just outright scary.  People were coming out of nowhere."

Police patrols remain constant in Midland Beach.  In nearby Great Kills, another NYPD watchtower keeps an eye on this neighborhood hit by looters.

NYPD crime stats show burglaries were up in Staten Island and the Rockaways the week Hurricane Sandy hit: October 29 through November 4.

In the 122 Precinct of Staten Island -- most of the south shore -- nine burglaries were reported that week, compared to just one last year.

In the 100 Precinct in Queens -- Breezy Point and Broad Channel -- 16 burglaries were reported the week after Sandy, compared to just two last year.

In the 101 Precinct -- Far Rockaway -- 33 burglaries were reported after Sandy, compared to zero in 2011.

The NYPD said people have taken advantage of the damage; homes are unattended or wide open and items are left on sidewalks and driveways while houses are being cleaned out.

These numbers are just the reported burglaries. Plenty of homes that have been abandoned may have been looted and no one knows.