String of muggings in the W. Village

WEST VILLAGE City Council Speaker Christine Quinn sent a letter to 9,000 West Village residents Friday. Police say there have been six muggings since November 15, and Quinn's office says the NYPD is calling it a pattern.

All the muggings happened between 11 p.m. and 2:45 a.m. There were also three recent daytime robberies, according to the New York Post, but Quinn's office says police do not believe they are part of the pattern.

Below is the text of Quinn's letter.

December 11, 2008

Dear Neighbor,

It is with regret that I write to inform you of six violent muggings that have occurred in the West Village from November 15th to December 4th. This past Monday, the 6th Precinct formally declared these muggings to be a pattern and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has escalated its response accordingly.

All of the incidents occurred between 11:00PM and 2:45AM, and the majority of the victims were white women. Every time, the victim was approached from behind by two males, hit and then mugged. The attacks occurred on: Waverly and Bank, 11th Street and 7th Avenue, 350 West 14th Street, 30 Christopher Street, 231 West 11th Street, West 4th Street and 8th Avenue.

The 6th Precinct's Anti-Crime Unit, in conjunction with the NYPD City Wide Robbery Squad have been assigned to the area and will be increasing police presence throughout the West Village.

On December 17th, the 6th Precinct will host its monthly Community Council meeting in the basement of Our Lady of Pompeii Church, located at 25 Carmine Street, at 7:30 PM. Representatives from our office will be in attendance and we encourage you to attend as well.

Please take care to keep yourself, your loved ones and your neighbors safe. Following are a couple important safety tips as recommended by the NYPD to remember when walking outside at night:

Keep your keys separate from your purse. If your bag is stolen the thief will not have access to your home.

Never carry a wallet in a rear pocket, use a front trouser or an inside coat pocket.

When walking with a purse keep it over your shoulder on a short strap with the flap facing your body.

Minimize the amount of money, credit cards and valuables you carry by only taking items that are necessary for the day. Divide money between your purse/wallet and pockets.

Be alert when approached by a stranger asking for directions or the time of day. Thieves often use this approach when sizing up their victims.

When going out in the evening try to walk with a friend; remember there is power in numbers.

Remain alert; individuals on cell phones or wearing head phones are more susceptible to attack as they may appear distracted.

It is also critical that as a community we look out for one another. Should you hear sounds of a struggle from the street while you are at home, please call 911 to report it.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding safety issues in the West Village, please contact Grey Elam in my District Office at 212-564-7757, ext. 105.

Sincerely,

Christine C. Quinn

Speaker

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