Crime stats run even in 104th Pct.

The figure included seven more major crimes. Grand larceny and stolen automobiles were down 7 percent and 38.6 percent, respectively this year.

There were 51 reported cases of stolen automobiles compared to last year’s 83 reports. Grand larceny incidents last year were at 143 while this year it is at 133. He credited the combined efforts of the precinct and the community for that reduction.

“That is due in no small part to the men and women of the precinct,” Cody said. The flip side is that robberies had gone up by 60 percent. “The weather was much warmer this year than it was last year,” Cody said, citing one possible reason for the increase.

He also said that the increases in armed robberies were connected to a city-wide trend. With theft, the items consistently stolen were electronic handheld devices such as iPads.

Cody also stated there was an 8 percent increase in felonious assaults. Last year there were 59, while this yearthe reported number rose to 64. He did clarify that a majority of the felonious assaults were domestic.

In the Central Avenue area, burglaries were up to 91 this year versus last year’s 88. He said that the common break-in points for many of the burglaries were an unattended door or through an open rear window.

He warned the audience to not let the warm weather fool them into keeping their windows open at all times

“The rear window of a Glendale type or Ridgewood type of building is easy access,” the captain told the audience. “I would ask you and your neighbors to secure your windows as best you can. It takes a second or two, but it certainly prevents an opportunity for a burglar.”

Cody also brought up the issue of people who steal recyclables from the garbage of property owners. He recommends posting a “no trespassing” sign on the property as well as putting the “recyclables out right before the truck comes instead of at night.”

He also had some sound advice for people buying expensive electronics. “Take the extra time to cut the cardboard box, turn it inside out, where the potential burglar or travelers can see you just got a flat screen TV or a computer.”

For night owls who are outside walking, he suggested being aware of one’s surroundings, and to exercise particular care if choosing to use a cell phone or other valuable electronic device

“With the Blackberry and the cell phone, you start texting; you don’t really have your mind on your surroundings,” Cody said. “Have a constant awareness of your surroundings.”