Car theft, attempted thefts and break-ins raise concerns among Massapequa residents
According to police, there have been five vehicle thefts or attempted thefts south of Merrick Road over the past four months.
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A recent string of vehicle thefts, attempted thefts, and break-ins has residents in Massapequa’s Nassau Shores neighborhood on alert.
According to police, there have been five vehicle thefts or attempted thefts south of Merrick Road over the past four months. In the latest incident, would-be thieves nearly stole a car from a driveway on Tidewater Avenue last week.
A neighbor, who declined to be identified, said he saw a group of people pushing a vehicle out of a driveway Thursday. He immediately called 911, and the suspects fled when officers arrived.
“I think it’s enough to be concerned about and act upon it,” another neighbor said.
Several homeowners in the neighborhood said they were surprised to hear about the recent crimes.
“It's actually unusual down this way because there’s only one way in and out of here,” resident Ray Malone said. “So, if they’re going to steal something, the cops will be right up on Merrick Road.”
Police said the vehicle-related crimes extend beyond thefts and attempted thefts. Over the same four-month period, there have been eight larcenies involving property stolen from vehicles in the area.
“The people across the street, [thieves] went in their car and took the change out,” Malone said.
Some residents said the incidents are prompting them to take extra precautions.
“We’ll carefully lock our cars at night, maybe take the key fobs away from the door and put them in the back room, which we’ve never had to do,” one homeowner said.
Residents say police are frequently seen patrolling the neighborhood and hope those responsible for the crimes will be caught soon.
