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Police Eyeing Repeat Offenders in 125 Percent Auto Theft Spike

By Janet Upadhye | May 21, 2014 6:47pm
 The number of auto thefts has increased from 12 to 27 in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.
The number of auto thefts has increased from 12 to 27 in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.
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DNAinfo.com/Janet Upadhye

FORT GREENE — Auto theft is on the rise in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.

The two neighborhoods that make up the 88th precinct have seen a 125 percent increase in stolen cars this year — from 12 to 27 — and police have their eye on a small group of repeat offenders, according to officials and police reports.

In the first two weeks of May, at least five cars were reported stolen including a Toyota Camry on May 7 from Clinton and Greene Aves, a Honda CRV stolen on May 8 from Washington Avenue and a Dodge Avenger stolen on May 9 from Hall Street near Park Avenue.

The precinct's new commanding officer, Capt. Peter Fiorillo, attributed the uptick to four individuals — one who was recently caught and is currently in custody. The details of the thief who was arrested were not immediately available.

He said he has his eye on the other three individuals who are known car thieves.

"They either live in the community or they have done car thefts in the community," he said. "We are tracking them and if they are arrested again, say in another precinct, we will be alerted."

Fiorillo said they are also looking at pawn shops to see if any items from inside the cars turn up and are using a police cruiser equipped with a license plate reader.

Fords and Hondas are swiped at a higher rate than other cars, he said.

Two motorcycles, one from Emerson Place and the other from Adelphi Street, were also swiped on May 9.

"Two in the same day raises antennas," he said. "Now as the weather is warmer bikes are parked outside and are at risk."