Maspeth Battles Burglaries

A string of home burglaries in Maspeth has residents worried about their safety. There have been eight burglaries in that neighborhood last month, and in Woodside there have been three burglaries in the past few weeks.

Roe Daraio, president of Communities of Maspeth and Elmhurst Together (COMET), says residents have to be vigilant and alert to help police catch the burglars. She added that it’s important for residents to look out for suspicious activity or individuals on the block.

“It’s up to the residents to keep an eye out,” Daraio said. “The neighbors know who live in the neighborhood.”

COMET has alerted “block captains,” who work to alert their surrounding neighbors
about the string of burglaries.

“If I was a robber, if I was successful on one block, I’d try again because the neighborhood doesn’t care,” Daraio said. By keeping the neighborhood on alert, she’s optimistic that the culprits will be caught.

Daraio understands that if there were eight burglaries in Maspeth, it likely means there are even more occurring in Ridgewood, Middle Village and surrounding areas. However, she feels her neighborhood is just as important.

“The [104] Precinct doesn’t have the manpower to handle it. It’s just a fact of life,” Daraio said. That’s why she believes it’s up to the residents to watch who is leaving and entering the area and call 911 with any sign of suspicious activity.