Armed thugs have raided three Westminster Road homes in the last month — a string of crimes that have put residents of the bucolic Ditmas Park street on edge.
“Somebody is running around here with guns — that’s dangerous,” said Ashime Bux, who lives on the block. “I’ve been here 30 years and I’ve never seen so many robberies.”
The terrifying crimes occurred in broad daylight between Cortelyou and Beverly roads. In at least two of the robberies, the suspects were armed, residents say.
Residents told the Ditmas Park Corner blog that one of the burglaries took place on June 11. A thief broke into the back of a resident’s home and ransacked the place, leaving with computers and jewelry.
On June 27, a man with a gun reportedly broke into a home in the early afternoon. The intruder attacked a girl he found inside, breaking her arm, residents told police.
Some residents say their neighbors aren’t taking proper safety precautions, giving thieves an invitation to steal.
“People are leaving their windows open, making it easier for the robbers,” said Tracey Hohman, who claimed that burglars tried to wedge her door open with a screwdriver once, but ran off empty handed.
“The robbers realize that these are high value homes.”
Representatives from the 70th Precinct say they were still investigating the crimes. Officers are using every tactic available to crack down on the problem, 70th Precinct Community Affairs Lieutenant Jacqueline Bourne said.
“Even though you might not see the officers out there, they’re out there,” she said.
Anyone with information regarding these thefts are urged to contact CrimeStoppers at (800) 577–8477. All calls will be kept confidential.
— with Alfred Ng
Reach reporter Eli Rosenberg at erosenberg@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2531. And follow him at twitter.com/emrosenberg.
