Police, politicians meet with W.H. residents

Nearly 200 people attend W.H. Community Support Association meeting

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The West Hempstead Community Support Association held its biannual meeting last Wednesday, where Sergeant Ed Grim from Nassau County Police’s 5th Precinct, and several Town of Hempstead politicians, spoke to residents about crime and gave residents an opportunity to voice concerns and have them addressed.

Grim, a sergeant in the precinct’s Problem Oriented Police — or POP — unit, said POP was dedicated to ongoing problems that take time to be address, such as the recent increase in auto break-ins. “One thing we’re seeing county-wide is property being stolen from unlocked autos overnight,” said Grim. “They just walk up and down the street and try door handles. They take money, wallets, EZ passes, whatever. Please protect yourself by locking your cars.” Grim also added that thieves are also stealing tires off cars, and recommended people gets locks at automotive supply stores.

Residents were also strongly encouraged to use the county’s enhanced 911 system. “Please - never ever think your call is insignificant,” said Grim, who said the emergency system logs all calls, so that police can go back and easily check details about resident complaints when they call 911 — something that cannot be done quickly if a resident calls the precinct directly. “Many people are apprehensive, and think they’re tying up the 911 system if they use it,” said Grim, who urged people to give 911 operator a detailed explanation of the reason for their call, and tell the operator if they are frightened for their safety. “Clarity is paramount, and how you feel is just as important,” said Grim.

Heroin was also discussed, and Grim stated the problem was present in West Hempstead as it was in every other community, but areas like Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Seaford had it worse than most other places in Nassau.

When residents asked about patrol cars in the area, Grim said there are four police cars used to patrol West Hempstead, and that all four are manned and on the streets each day.

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