Yeshiva World News

Gary Mitchell, 54, sentenced to a total of 10 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to an Attempted Burglary of a residential house in the N16 area of London and failing to attend court on two previous occasions.

On Sunday 22nd Dec 2013 at approximately 21:30 in the darkness of the night, members of the Stamford Hill Shomrim observed a male acting suspiciously in the N16 area of Hackney, Shomrim volunteers on patrol that evening followed this male walking through Heathland Road onto Fairholt Road until Lordship Road and walking up to the back window of a residential flat, where Mr Mitchell was seen opening a window and using a pliers to keep it open. The flat was occupied at the time, by parents and children, described as a “young family” by the victim. Mr Mitchell was detained by several Shomrim members and subsequently arrested by Police on suspicion of Attempted Burglary.

On Wednesday 1st Oct 2014 a Shomrim member and a couple of Hackney Police Officers attended Snaresbrook Crown Court in order to give witness evidence for the prosecution. As the trial was about to start, Mr Mitchell, who initially pleaded not guilty, changed his plea to guilty.

Mr Mitchell, who has several previous convictions for Burglary and Theft, was sentenced on 1st Oct 2014 at Snaresbrook Crown Court, to nine months imprisonment for the Attempted Burglary offence and one month imprisonment for each time the defendant failed to attend court (to run concurrent to each other, but consecutive to the Burglary sentence), making it a total of ten months imprisonment, and ordered to pay £100 Court Costs.

His Honour Judge N. Sanders, during summarising this case, praised Shomrim for their actions, saying “The service they did that evening was significant”.

Shomrim volunteer Michael Scher, said “This is a great result not just for the victim in this case but for all other residents of Hackney too. I would like to thank all the Hackney Police Officers involved, for their immense work in bringing Mr Mitchell to justice”.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Early Monday morning, Shomrim witnessed the male seen in the attached photos breaking into multiple vehicles in the area on Avenue L and East 9th Street. The suspect was observed around 4:00AM, and the NYPD was contacted. Along with the assistance of Shomrim Volunteers, the individual was taken into police custody without further incident.

Shomrim remind everyone: Never leave any valuables visible in your vehicle – since your car will be high-priority for a thief.

(YWN Desk – NYC)

On Friday 20 June 2014, 51 year old ‘Errol Simpson’ from Hackney E5, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court for 9 theft and related offences including a residential burglary.

On 25th December 2013, a Shomrim volunteer on patrol around Mount Pleasant Lane E5 in the Upper Clapton area of Hackney, observed Mr Simpson for an hour, and witnessed Mr Simpson attempting to steal from 7 separate parked motor vehicles and on one occasion putting his head through a ground floor open window of a residential house, and then entering an enclosed back garden and stealing a quantity of fruit.

The Shomrim member followed Mr. Simpson until Police arrived and arrested him. Detective Chief Inspector Shabnam Chaudhri of Hackney Police, personally thanked the Shomrim member involved for his assistance in the arrest of “Hackneys’ most wanted burglar”. The case was thoroughly investigated by Hackney Police CID and statements were taken from witnesses and victims, and Mr Simpson was subsequently charged with several offences and remanded in custody.

In March 2014 Mr Simpson pleaded guilty to attempting to steal items from 7 separate motor vehicles including a school bus. During the trial, after 2 witnesses had given evidence in court, Mr Simpson pleaded guilty to the theft of a quantity of fruit from a drawer within an enclosed back garden. However Mr Simpson pleaded not guilty to a further charge of dwelling Burglary. A Jury of 12 members of the public heard, read and saw lots of evidence, and after a 4 day trial, found Mr Simpson guilty of committing a residential Burglary too.

Sentencing, Her Honour the Judge Sarah Paneth spoke about Mr Simpsons’ “spree of offending” on that night, and described how Mr Simpson “invaded someones home”, and added that in her “Judgement, these are serious offences”, she said that Mr Simpsons’ actions “undermines the confidence of the community”.

Mr Simpsons’ long criminal history, described by Her Honour the Judge Sarah Paneth as “a terrible record”, was analysed in court, including 27 previous Theft and related offences, and his first conviction when he was just 17 years old, which was for committing a residential burglary, the Judge told Mr Simpson “you are undoubtingly a persistent offender”.

Her Honour the Judge Sarah Paneth sentenced Errol Simpson as follows:

• 3 Years imprisonment – Residential Burglary.
• 28 Months imprisonment (concurrent) – Attempted Theft from 7 Motor Vehicles [4 Months imprisonment for each of the 7 vehicles].
• 12 Months imprisonment (concurrent) – Theft of fruit from back garden.
• £120 fine - Victim Surcharge.
• 2 months imprisonment (concurrent) – Breaching previous court imposed conditions.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

As the race to Pesach intensifies, so does the frantic search for and desperate reliance on quality cleaning help. LCSW would like to remind and warn residents who hire help, male or female, during this hectic time of year to remain on guard and vigilant. Unfortunately, we’ve seen many instances where hired help left alone, whether for a few moments or a few hours, took the opportunity to pilfer cash or valuable items from unknowing employers. Of course, most of the workers you hire will be honest and upright and we don’t mean to cast aspersions on anyone but it pays to be careful so that you don’t become a victim of theft.

Don’t leave valuables in obvious places and make sure to hide them well. Get as much identifying information as possible from a prospective employee, including a name, phone number, even a photo if you can take one without intimidating or aggravating the worker. Aside from the fact that such information will make it infinitely easier for law enforcement to track down a perpetrator once a crime is committed, it also has preventative benefits in that it he or she will be far less likely to commit a crime knowing that you have that information and/ or photograph. Don’t leave hired help alone in the home, providing even a generally trustworthy employee with a temptation that may prove impossible to resist.

Don’t let hired help in on your plans to go away for Yom Tov or any extended period of time as that leaves your home vulnerable to a home invasion while you are gone.
The key is to remain vigilant and not to allow your desperation for assistance during what can be a stressful time of year to override your sensibilities and better judgment. Bear in mind always that a good worker is not necessarily an honest one, and a clean home is not worth the anguish of a cleaned out home.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

There is only one thing more comforting than knowing that there is an entire force of volunteer civilians dedicated to your safety and protection: knowing that there is an entire force of trained volunteer civilians dedicated to your safety and protection.

The members of the Lakewood Civilian Safety Watch were trained by the Lakewood Police Department at their annual training session last week, led by Captain Tommy Langenberger, who is a Lakewood Police Department Patrol Commander and the LCSW liaison to LPD.

Captain Langenberger explained some police protocols and procedures, as well as New Jersey state laws as pertaining to civilian patrols.

Some of the topics covered included signs to look out for that would designate a suspect as suspicious, safety measures that members must take to protect themselves, the difference between the rights of a sworn officer and a civilian and more.

Captain Langenberger also touched upon the judicial system, to train members on what to look out for on a call should they be subpoenaed as witnesses to a crime, giving them clarity on what information is important to the court system.
The event cemented the positive relationship between LCSW and the Lakewood Police Department.

The captain lauded the dedicated efforts of LCSW, as well as the other wonderful volunteer organizations who worked in unity during the recent ice storm to meet the needs of the community. He spoke on behalf of Police Chief Robert Lawson, who was not present but passed the message on that he wanted every single member to understand that the police department supports LCSW and is looking forward to working with them in keeping Lakewood safe.

The floor was then opened to the members, who brought up any questions they had. An intensive question and answer session ensued, as real life situations and quandaries were posed, resolved and rehashed. Members were able to get clarity on situations they weren’t sure about and receive guidance moving forward.

Mayor Menashe Miller addressed attendees, thanking them for their hard work, telling them how much he appreciates their great relationship with the police department and offering his services if there’s ever any way he can help.

Members left informed and invigorated, prepared to continue in their sacred mission of providing comfort and security for the residents of Lakewood.

“It was truly a pleasure to listen and learn from such a highly trained and experienced police supervisor like Captain Thomas Langenberger. His informative presentation and highly educational question and answer session demonstrated his detailed understanding of the legal and public safety issues facing Lakewood today. Captain Langenberger’s professional knowledge and example as a law enforcement officer is truly admirable,” says LCSW member Phil.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

The Rockaway Citizens Safety Patrol (“RCSP” or “Rockaway Shomrim”) held its second annual appreciation dinner on Thursday December 12, 2013 at the Renov residence in Lawrence, NY. Numerous elected officials, community leaders, and members of the NYPD were in attendance at this elegant event sponsored by Gourmet Glatt. In addition to the more than 150 guests, those in attendance included District 31 City Councilman Donovan Richards; District 48 City Councilman Elect Chaim Deutsch; Commanding Officer of the 101st Police Precinct Deputy Inspector Pat Wynne; coordinators of Flatbush, Boro Park, and Williamsburg Shomrim; coordinators of Hatzoloh; and 101st Precinct Community Board President Denise Ferguson.

The RCSP Distinguished Leadership Award was bestowed upon Deputy Inspector Kevin M. Maloney, who had a tremendous positive impact during his short tenure as Commanding Officer of the 101st Police Precinct. Under Deputy Inspector Maloney’s exemplary leadership, we saw the lowering of the crime rate in our area; his sensitivity and caring while dealing with community affairs; and, above all, his heroism during Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath, which earned him recognition from then Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. Deputy Inspector Maloney took this opportunity to recognize the hard work of the police officers of the 101st Police Precinct, and to give special thanks to the RCSP for its dedication to our community 24 hours a day. The RCSP is proud to have worked closely with Deputy Inspector Maloney, and wished him continued success in his new command. The RCSP wished great success as well to the incoming commanding officer of the 101st Police Precinct, Deputy Inspector Pat Wynne, and looks forward to working under his leadership.

The next honoree was Sgt. Keith Gallagher from the 101st Police Precinct, recipient of the Public Service Award. Sgt. Gallagher and his team spend countless night hours patrolling and protecting our streets. NYPD Lieutenant Phelan accepted the award on Sgt. Gallagher’s behalf, and thanked the entire Conditions Team, as well as the RCSP, for its efforts and assistance over the past two years. He added that during that time, car break-ins have dropped 80%, and related arrests have increased by 50%.

The recipient of the Community Service Award was Police Officer Anthony Rivelli, a member of the anti-crime unit of the 101st Police Precinct, and the Deputy Chief of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department. Officer Rivelli has demonstrated unparalleled dedication, cooperation, and professionalism in combating crime in the Rockaway area. The RCSP is proud to count Officer Rivelli amongst its supporters and friends, and was proud to recognize his contribution to keeping our streets safe.

The last award of the night was in recognition of one of the RCSP’s most dedicated members, David Mishler. David exemplifies what volunteerism is all about, through his community involvement and dedication to the RCSP cause.

Finally, the RCSP took this opportunity to distinguish and thank each member of the RCSP, as well as their spouses, for their unparalleled devotion to our community.

The RCSP is particularly appreciative to the Renovs for their legendary hospitality; to Gourmet Glatt for being our dinner sponsor; Dynamic Slide Show Production for producing the videography; and Naftali Goldgrab for providing the photography.

The Rockaway Citizens Safety Patrol is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit public safety organization dedicated to the Rockaway area. The 24 Hour RCSP Hotline is (917) 727-7306. To receive the weekly security alerts bulletin published by the RCSP, send an email to securityalerts@rockawaypatrol.org and enter the phrase “Sign me up” in the Subject field.

(YWN Desk – NYC)

In order to ensure the safety and comfort of the Lakewood community over Shavuos, the Lakewood Civilian Safety Watch has set up a special Shavuos patrol system.

These patrols will be conducted by Shabbos and Yom Tov members of LCSW, who are familiar with what frum people may not do on Shavuos, and are well aware that much of the community will be staying up all night to learn.

The members will be patrolling in all areas of town. If you have any concern at all, feel free to flag down one of these members and he will be happy to assist you or to phone police, if necessary.

LCSW wishes all of Lakewood a safe, wonderful Yom Tov.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

UPDATE 12:00AM EST: The missing person has been found.

Flatbush Shomrim has launched a search for a missing person seen in the attached photo (PHOTO REMOVED). He is missing since approximately 6:00PM, Monday Aug 6th, and was last seen leaving Scharome Manor on Foster Avenue and Ocean Parkway. His name is (NAME REMOVED) is 73-years-old, has light grey hair, is 5’10″ and 200 lbs.

(YWN Desk – NYC)

With the summer season in full swing, burglars are taking advantage of the relative quiet of the neighborhood. With families relocated upstate or vacationing elsewhere, break-ins are all the more common, making it doubly important to guard your property.

Recently, there has been a series of reports regarding residential burglaries in the local Flatbush area where the thieves have obviously taken advantage of vacationing homeowners. While the reports came from several different precinct jurisdictions they all carried trademarks of the same criminals involved.

Upon questioning, several witnesses mentioned seeing a red van in the vicinity. The van was apparently seen either in the victim’s driveway or somewhere on the block on the day of the crime. Homes were apparently emptied with jewelry and silver.

READ MORE: BROOKLYNSCOOP.COM

Flatbush Shomrim Patrol has received numerous recent reports of area residents arriving at shul to discover that they have been a victim of a crime. A Tallis with a silver atara, commonplace at any shul, now become a commodity to desperate opportunist. The price of silver has steadily risen over the last several years and each atara can be sold for a hefty price to local dealers. Each row of a silver atara retails for around sixty to eighty dollars. Many people have at least four silver rows. Since last week we have reports of five shuls where several talleisim have had the ataras stolen.

“We must stop these thieves in their tracks before this crime trend becomes more widespread,” said Chaim Deutsch, founder of Flatbush Shomrim “We urge the community to be on alert and report all such crimes and suspicious activity.”

The shuls burglarized had no trace of any break and entry. A thief may remain in a restroom until the shul closes before he ransacks the shul. All shul gabbaim are urged to check that restrooms and other obscure areas are unoccupied when locking up the shul for the night.

For your safety, always have at least two people check the shul for the night before closing.

Always be vigilant of any suspicious characters lurking around your shul and do not assume anyone is not a criminal based on their appearance.

Video surveillance cameras are crucial for all institutions and we highly recommend that they be installed inside the premises as well as outdoors.

The Flatbush Shomrim 24 hour emergency hotline number is 718-338-9797.

BROOKLYNSCOOP.COM

The Flatbush Shomrim will be having Its Annual Bike Etching Program this Thursday, June 14th, between 5:30PM – 7:30PM at the side yard of Gil Hodges, P.S. 193 on East 26th street between Avenues K & L. The Program is designed that if a stolen bike is recovered by Shomrim or the NYPD we would be able to track down the rightful owner through the numbers that are etched underneath your bike. Each bike registered will get a Flatbush Shomrim tire reflector which will help us to identify that your bike was etched by the New York City Police Department. This will be the only bike etching program this summer done by the Flatbush Shomrim. The program is free of charge.

FLATBUSHSCOOP.COM

Los Angeles – Crime is on the rise. Sinister forces abound. Our local police force helps us feel safe and protected. But sometimes, they cannot do it alone. Recent budget cuts in the Los Angeles police department have raised concerns within the community. As these budget cuts are set in place, a new community picture emerges, one in which security forces are less accessible to those who need them the most.

Enter LA Shmira, a new kind of citizen’s patrol. Formed by Kalman Tzvi Lowenstein, LA Shmira provides for the needs of the Pico-Robertson community by protecting the security of the residents, and teaching safety and security. With a critical focus on high-crime areas, LA Shmira stands out for being unequivocally non-vigilante; trained and organized to work directly alongside and in full cooperation with the police department. They have a zero tolerance policy for politics, with a laser focus on their higher mission of meeting the community’s needs, no distractions allowed. LA Shmira members have all emergency contact numbers, such as fire and police departments and Hatzolah, on speed dial, for immediate contact in times of emergency. All members are C.E.R.T. certified and have undergone comprehensive training to prepare themselves to handle a state of emergency within the community.

The Los Angeles Shmira Patrol aims to build bridges of respect and cooperation amongst the diverse religious and ethnic groups in the community. Regardless of race or religion, LA Shmira is on hand to help and promote a higher standard of safe living. Members of LA Shmira speak a variety of languages, and can communicate with and assist all who need help, no matter what their language.

Please send donations, and help support this important cause. LA Shmira recently became incorporated, and is now a non-profit organization, with the backing and Haskamos of numerous Chashuva Rabbanim, including Rabbi Gershon Bess of the RCC and Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon of the KSA . Donate to this worthy cause by clicking here or send a check to:

LOS ANGELES SHMIRA PATROL INCORPORATED
1455 South Wooster Street #8
Los Angeles, CA 90035

Are you a resident of the Pico-Robertson area?

Report suspicious activity to LA Shmira at (310) 497-8271 . Lowenstein advises: Try to get as full a description as you can before calling. However, keep safe! Do not ever approach a suspicious person on your own under any circumstances. In case of an emergency please call 911 immediately. Residents can also call 1-877-ASKLAPD for questions, help, and information from the Los Angeles police department.

LA Shmira offers various educational courses for the community, such as first aid, CPR, and self defense. Please email Kalman Lowenstein at lashmirapatrol@gmail.com for more information and to enroll.

Volunteers are currently needed to help expand the services LA Shmira can offer to the community. Applicants please email Lashmirapatrol@gmail.com or call (310) 497-8271 . LA Shmira also has need for equipment, such as 2-way radios, flash lights, emergency equipment, amber beacons, high visibility jackets, vests, and shirts.

With your support, the coalition between community, LA Shmira, and local police will serve as a role model for a proper, cooperative, and effective citizen’s patrol, one that builds and sustains a beautiful and thriving community environment.

For more information please visit LAShmira.org

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Parents Beware: The summer months are approaching and our children will be out on the streets. Teach them to protect themselves from being touched improperly or spoken to inappropriately. An offender’s work may take just minutes. The effect it leaves lasts a lifetime.

We would like to share the following safety tips BASED ON ACTUAL EVENTS. We’ve received complaints of abuse occurring in libraries, MTA buses, car services, parks, on the street, etc:

* Warn your children to never accept rides from strangers. Children usually take the same route every day. They stand at the same bus stops, etc. They are vulnerable. Pedophiles know this and will wait patiently before making a move. A predator may have a beard and a yarmulke and may even be a family acquaintance.

* Encourage your child to tell you about any unusual incidents. For example, an adult acting too familiar or improperly or discussing inappropriate topics with them. Anywhere. Teach your children to be alert and to identify people by memorizing clothing description, car models, license plate numbers and other details of anyone looking suspicious.

* When at the park DO NOT send your child to the restroom alone. Pedophiles lurk around parks looking for easy targets.

* NEVER send your children alone in a car service. While most drivers are fine and hardworking people, we’ve had numerous complaints involving children and adults being victimized by predators working for car services.

Report all suspicious activity to the police by calling 911. Then, call our 24 hour Emergency Hotline at             718-338-9797      . If your call is of a sensitive nature please ask our dispatcher if you can speak with a coordinator. All calls will be kept confidential.

The Flatbush Shomrim wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable summer.

FLATBUSHSCOOP.COM

[IMAGE & NAME REMOVED - MISSING PERSON LOCATED]

Shomrim of London says the missing girl has Boruch Hashem been located. They thank the dozens of volunteers who assisted in the search, and the people around the globe who were saying Tehillim for her.

INITIAL ARTICLE: The community in Stamford Hill is extremely concerned for the welfare of [NAME REMOVED], 26-years-old, who left her home in Stamford Hill this morning on her way to college. She has not been heard from since, and a large search is underway. Shomrim is coordinating the search, and is being assisted by many local residents, as well as the police (Barnet Borough MPS). [DESCRIPTION REMOVED].

Please contact Shomrim immediately if you have any information at 0300-999-1234.

(Paloma Gefen – YWN)

With the stress of Pesach cleaning, many have a tendency to hire outside cleaning help. Very often the cleaning help turns out to become more aggravation than easing the Yom Tov preparation. Too many instances occur with the Yom Tov rush where cleaning help cleans out more than just what he/she is supposed to. Please be extra cautious with your cleaning and handy help no matter how trust worthy you believe they are.

DO NOT leave any valuables (jewelry, money, etc.) within reach or visible to your house help.

DO NOT trust your housekeeper under any circumstances, even though he/she may have been working for you for many years.

MAKE SURE all valuables are accounted for between the time your cleaning help arrives and the time he/she leaves. In most cases, the thieves will use a garbage bag to hide the valuables within disposables and will come back later to pick up their loot.

DECEPTION BURGLARIES / COLLECTORS may try to enter your home during the time you are most busy and when you are not paying full attention.

BE EXTRA VIGILANT when your cleaning help leaves that no window or door was unlocked by him/her. Pre-planned burglaries occur via doors or windows that were intentionally left unlocked.

The Flatbush Shomrim Safety Patrol urges you to pay close attention to these safety tips.

Prepare yourself now before it’s too late.

Flatbush Shomrim 24 hour emergency number 718-338-9797.

(YWN Desk – NYC)

The following alert from Flatbush Shomrim was published by FlatbushScoop.com:

It has come to our attention of a Male exposing himself to women in broad daylight. The incidents are occuring on Roder Avenue, between East 7th and East 8th street at appox 3:30PM. The description is of a light skinned male, Mid 20s, wearing a black hooded sweat jacket, thin build, 5″11. If you have been a victim please report it to 911. If such a incident happens to you please immediately call 911 and The Flatbush Shomrim.

Fatbush Shomrim 24 Hotline 718-338-9797.

FLATBUSHSCOOP.COM