[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]
The Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol held the first of its two annual Bike and Electronic Device Etching events today. (Sunday June 5th is the second and main event, an event that is expected to draw a crowd in excess of 1500.)
Etching is when a serial number is placed in an inconspicuous location on one’s bike or electronic device. In the event that an etched bike or electronic device is found after being lost or stolen, the serial number that was etched on the lost or stolen item would facilitate its return to its rightful owner.
The event that took place this week was in the Bayswater section of the Rockaways. Over 100 bikes and about 45 electronic devices were etched at this event. This event featured this service in conjunction with the NYPD’s Community Affairs division and their Crime Prevention Team. (They will also be working side by side with RNSP members at the main event scheduled for 1-4pm next Sunday, June 5th, on Reads Lane.)
The Far Rockaway area is blessed with a precinct, the 101st precinct, which leads the city in piloting best practices for community involvment. Aside from the devoted NCO officers who serve the community through dialogue and outreach, the 101 precinct has the gift of PO Kevin Campbell and his partner PO Lynn Blanchette. As seen in one of the pictures herein, PO Campbell is going well above and beyond the call of duty, getting on the ground and helping fix bikes, etch them, and of course interact with all of the children and adults who came out to avail themselves of the etching services. His actions and that of his partner speak volumes as to how they generally conduct their business.
The work itself was taxing. The devoted officers of the crime prevention team worked tirelessly to etch bike after bike, item after item, with no breaks, until the job was done. The community was very grateful and impressed with the level of dedication that they witnessed on part of the 101st precinct and the RNSP.
Like this past Sunday, the bike etching event scheduled for June 5th is open to ALL who wish to avail themselves of this free service, in conjunction with the NYPD, on Reads Lane and Elvira Street.
(YWN Desk – NYC)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
One Response
We are all aware that many bikes are stolen from our frum neighborhoods. In many cases chains are cut to get the bikes.
Just last summer my daughter’ s neighbors had 3 chained bikes stolen from outside their home!
While etching a number is a good idea I don’t believe it helps with the return of many bikes.
I think it is time for our communities to become proactive about this problem.
Everyone should sell their bikes to Shomrim or Chaverim for $1 and rent them back for 50 cents. Then they should paint the bikes glow in the dark yellow…or at least the handlebars and spokes of the wheels.
I am sure the police would cooperate with us . Then when the police would see such a bike they would have it returned to Shomrim or Chavirem. At that point they will check the bike for an engraved number and return it to the owner.
When the people who have been stealing the bikes realize that it is game over — they will stop coming to our areas to steal!