Fifth Precinct Holds Open Community Meeting

The monthly meeting held recently was one of the most well attended in a while. Local residents were in attendance and people from East Patchogue, Bohemia, Bellport and Blue Point were there to discuss suspected drug use and dealings in their area.

A Bohemia resident recently had a burglary in his home, and actually caught the perpetrators fleeing from the scene. There was some jewelry stolen, but no one was hurt. The shaken homeowner inquired about becoming more proactive and starting a neighborhood watch. Inspector Aristides Mojica, the commanding officer of the Fifth Precinct, said that the police offer written material, DVDs and one on one assistance to help a neighborhood watch get off the ground.  "We will help you; we will work with you, but it's yours not ours," said Mojica.

The recent crime victim asked for increased late night surveillance in his secluded area. This prompted the inspector to say that information that comes from the public helps the police decide how best to deploy their resources, and what action to take in light of recent circumstances. He stressed the importance of maintaining open lines of communication. "You shouldn't ever assume the police know what's going on — that may well be the case — but, there's a lot going on everywhere," said Mojica.  "If there are a group of people interested in forming something we do help.  We do this on a regular basis."

If there are things going on in your community that raise suspicion residents shouldn't wait until the monthly meeting to voice their concern. Contact the precinct (SCPD.5thprecinct@suffolkcountyny.gov) or call there for non-emergency issues.

It was announced that starting in January, the precinct's monthly community meetings will now be held the second Wednesday of every month, and continue to begin 7 p.m. at the precinct.