Police have increased their presence in New York City neighborhoods still struggling with the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

The Staten Island Advance says break-ins left some residents on the island so frustrated and angry that they�d talked of setting booby traps and administering vigilante justice.

In at least eight houses, thieves cut out recently-installed copper piping. That caused flooding in homes that were just a few weeks away from becoming habitable again.

Police made several quick arrests. But they�re not taking any chances.

Ten patrol cars are being dedicated around the borough�s east shore.

Deputy Inspector Joseph Veneziano says the patrols will focus on areas where some houses still remain vacant. They include Ocean Breeze, Midland Beach and part of Oakwood.

(AP)