Terrified Howard Beach residents are hoping a beefed-up police presence will ward off burglars who have hit at least five times in the past week.
The crafty perps snatched jewelry and electronics from homes in the late morning hours without being spotted.
A seemingly unrelated home invasion earlier this month has added to the tension, residents said.
The crime wave has been a shock for residents in the normally quiet bedroom community in south Queens.
“We’re being held hostage,” said Joann Ariola, president of the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic Association. “This is a safe neighborhood. We don’t want to live in fear.”
The NYPD has added a mobile unit and patrols to the area.
The break-ins took place in the area of 159th and 163rd Aves. between 83rd and 96th Sts.
Ariola said the added police presence has provided some relief, but residents should still be on alert.
“One way or another they are going to get the person or persons responsible,” said City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), who has been communicating with police officials and posting updates through social media. “There seems to be a pattern here.”
No one was injured during the burglaries, according to a notice distributed by the police. The burglars generally broke in through side doors and windows, police said.
