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Local crime plummets, as 108 Precinct reports the biggest decline in crime citywide

Capt. John Travaglia

Oct. 28, 2015 By Christian Murray

Crime continues to plummet in the 108 Police Precinct, with the number of reported incidents down 18 percent year-to-date.

The precinct, which covers Sunnyside, Woodside and Long Island City, reported the second largest drop in crime of the 76 police precincts citywide year-to-date. Earlier this month, the 108 precinct held the title of having the largest percentage decline.

The double-digit decline comes at a time when crime across New York is reportedly down 3 percent for the year.

Captain John Travaglia, who spoke at the monthly precinct meeting in Sunnyside yesterday, said “we live work and breath in a very safe area” and attributed the precinct’s success to its partnership with the community.

Travaglia said that the number of reported robberies declined 29 percent for the year through Oct. 25, compared to the same period in 2014. Felony assaults and burglaries were down 8 percent and 18 percent respectively. There has been one murder year-to-date, down from two at this time last year.

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer said that the 108 deserves praise for the decline. “The police get criticized occasionally,” he said, “but when they are shown to be reducing crime in a significant way we should pause and say we are thankful.”