Crime in the North End Drops 23 Percent

-By Phil Orlandella

Crime has apparently dropped 23 percent in the North End/Waterfront over the past 30 days, March through April according to Boston Police Sergeant Tom Lema.

The lower numbers stem from a reduction in larceny from a motor vehicle which dropped considerably from 17 to 1. The one larceny took place on Commercial Street where an iPod was stolen.

No reports were filed on homicide, sexual assault, graffiti or community disorder.

There were two cases of robbery, three aggravated assaults, two break-in and entering, one larceny from a motor vehicle and six towed vehicles.

During the month of April reports indicate that 204 motor vehicle violations were written and 490 parking violations were handed out.

Police responded to Bacco’s on Parmenter Street due to complaints that the eatery’s windows were open after 11pm creating loud noise.

Police also reprimanded two restaurants for improper trash disposal, Bricco’s on Hanover Street and Il Panino’s on Parmenter Street.

Loud noise at 19 Widget Street prompted police to respond and issue violations.

Broken bottles were all over the street and according to one resident one of those bottles was tossed through her tenant’s window.

Police also responded to three loud noise parties at 6 Charter, 152 Salem and 4 Michleangelo Streets.

Roof deck parties will be handled by police in conjunction with the City’s Inspection Services Department which will issue fines.

As they did last year, police will be handing out flyers to motorcycle drivers to cut down the noise while in the North End.

Police are also working with a group called The Problem Property Group to deal with issues related to damage and/or unsafe properties in the neighborhood. Members of the group are: Boston City Councilors Sal LaMattina and Mike Ross, Sergeant Tom Lema, Stephen Passacantilli and Mark Paul.

As usual the unrealistic requests from residents found their way into the meeting. Placing street speed bumps and posting signs asking people to be quick surfaced. One resident said she had some issues to report to Sgt. Lema in secret.

These incidents happened well be the public safety meeting and should have been called into 911.

“Every time anyone has something to report, they should call 911 immediately,” Sgt. Lema said. “Don’t wait until this meeting takes place.”

The next Public Safety Committee monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, June 2 at 6:30pm in the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 North Bennet Street.