QUEENS — The number of crime incidents near a Jamaica subway station known for numerous robberies as well as phone and purse snatchings declined significantly in recent months, after the NYPD installed a security booth in the area, which police officials say serves as a deterrent.
The booth was installed in June between the entrance to the Jamaica Center subway station and a designated lane on Parsons Boulevard, where dollar vans pick up passengers, police officials said at a recent 103rd Precinct community council meeting.
The precinct came up with the idea in an attempt to address crime issues in the area, which has also been monitored by permanent patrols since spring.
The booth was provided by the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, a nonprofit seeking to bring investment to the neighborhood. Electricity to the booth was provided by the Mattone Group, which owns the Jamaica Multiples Cinemas adjacent to the station, according to Sergeant David Strom of the 103rd Precinct.
The NYPD then installed cameras inside the booth.
From June 1 to Sept. 14, major crime within the immediate vicinity of Parsons Boulevard and Archer Avenue went down 38 percent compared to the same period a year earlier, police said.
Robberies, one of the biggest problems at the location, dropped 67 percent over that period, officials said, from six a year ago to two this year.
“It seems to be working,” Strom said. “It’s definitely had an effect over there.”
Strom also said that since the booth has been installed the precinct has recorded a 58 percent reduction in narcotics-related calls, although specific numbers were not immediately available, police said.
He also said that the cameras installed in the booth captured an assault recently, but the victim is not cooperating with the NYPD.
