Present at this meeting were Lauri Murphy and Rich and Deborah Perez.
4th precinct Inspector Regina ran tonight’s meeting.
Guest Speakers were Detectives Tom Monaco and Tom Specialli from the Financial Crimes Unit.
They stated that there is an uptick in “white washed checks” in Suffolk County. Thieves are removing envelopes from mailboxes as well as stealing mailbox keys from mail carriers.
Although some local post offices are denying the allegations, some mail thefts have occured right on post office property . The Detectives advised to ALWAYS go inside the post office to mail anything.
Thieves are changing the names on checks as well as the amounts. As per the Detectives, banks are ONLY obligated to refund money up to 60 days after they’re cashed. Report any check fraud to your local police department.
Caller ID scams-
Never trust the phone numbers that show up on your caller ID. Thieves have found a way to mimic local area codes as well as pretending to be a relative in distress, a government official, a charity worker etc. Search phone numbers and other info. to check their credibility. Hang up on robocalls and be skeptical about any business offering free trials.
Don’t carry important documents like Social Security numbers, passports, birth certificates, computer passwords on a regular basis. if you are robbed your information will be compromised.
Watch what you post on Facebook, Instagram etc.
View all bank statements, check credit reports, put a freeze on credit card applications and loans. Keep security software updated, use strong passwords and destroy old hard drives and never click an unsolicited E-Mail.
Any Questions? Call the Financial Crimes Unit-631-852-6821
Inspector Regina introduced a new Deputy Inspector- Peter Ervolina.
In October the 4th precinct had: 113 Utt’s, 105 Moving Violations and 8 non-moving violations.
There was a serious motorcycle accident on 10/11/24 at the corner of Jericho Turnpike and Moorewood Dr. in Smithtown. The motorcyclist was listed in serious condition and was transported to Stony Brook Hospital.
On 10/13/24 there was another motorcycle accident near Stonehenge Lane and Joshuas Path in Hauppauge.
On 10/13/24 officers responded to the report of a stolen Uber Eats vehicle in the shopping center at 88 Vets Hwy Commack The driver left the car running. A male suspect entered the car and crashed into a fire hydrant. Joseph Ellis ran into a wooded area where he was caught by a K-9 unit. Ellis was charged with grand larceny. He had a prior auto theft charge in Kings Park.
On 4/10/24 there were two separate pedestrian motor vehicle accidents. As per eye witnesses and car dashcam footage, the pedestrians in both cases were negligent. One crossed against the traffic signal wearing dark clothing in a poorly lit area, the other a 15 year old girl crossed against the traffic signal directly in front of a moving vehicle.
Officer Roy Thorpe was given The Highway Safety Award. This event took place in Lake Placid. Inspector Regina accompanied him.
The next community meeting will be held on 12/03/24 at the Nesconset Library.
