Crime Statistics Decrease 13 Percent in the North End

Year-to-date crime figures in the North End have dropped 13 percent with 39 fewer incidents from January 1 to October 31, 2011, according to a report issued by Boston Police Captain Bernard O’Rourke, Commanding Officer District A-1.

The Captain told residents at the NEWNC Public Safety Committee monthly meeting that crime statistics are down 16 percent over the last 30 days.

The only increase during October were robberies that went from zero to two. They occurred on North Washington Street on October 9 and on Fleet Street on October 23. Both happened about 4am.

Larceny from a motor vehicle dropped from 10 to 3. Breaking and entering in the area went from seven to three.

Robberies took place at 26 Commercial Street, Boston Gliders and two homes at 20 Henchmen Street and 115 Salem Street.

There were no homicides, sexual assaults, auto theft, graffiti or community disorder during the 30 day time period.

Police towed 11 vehicles, issued 340 parking citations and wrote 131 motor vehicle violations.

Captain O’Rourke, based on several noise complaints, told residents that besides the loud noise detail paid for by Suffolk University each Thursday, Friday and Saturday, he will assign another detail during the same days throughout the month of November.

Police broke up an apparent beer drinking party in the park between Sterite Ice Skating Rink and the Little League Park on Commercial Street. One local resident identified them as teenagers.

Police were asked to look into a motorcycle continuously parking on the sidewalk at Endicott Street. The resident noted that handicapped people in wheelchairs could not pass by.

Police were asked to talk to the Pizzeria Regina on Thatcher Street and Mike’s Pastry on Hanover Street for not controlling customers standing on the sidewalk blocking pedestrian passage, especially handicapped people. At times people are forced to walk between parked vehicles for access.

Residents expressed their concerns about loud parties and noise on the streets at 2 and 4 o’clock in the morning. Addresses were given to the police and they will investigate the complaints.

A group of about 100 people from Occupy Boston paraded down Hanover to Battery to Commercial Streets on October 29 without incident. They eventually returned to Dewey Square.

Both Captain O’Rourke and Sergeant Tom Lema urged residents to call in any incidents that they are aware of to 911.

The next Public Safety Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, December 1 at 6:30pm in the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 North Bennet Street. All residents are welcome to attend.