Cops Keep 'Copped' Cars

In 2008, of the 3,062 cars that were impounded for their presence at NYC crimes, only 20 were returned to their owners. In 2007, just 52 of 3,488 cars were returned. New York City became the owner of the cars' pink slips. That's the law. To all you would be lawbreakers out there, know this. If you commit a crime in NYC with a car, chances are your car will get a life sentence… away from you.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: This piece was written today about an older New York City news headline. NYCo site delays prevented its publication before now. In an effort to entertain and educate this blog’s devoted viewers, 100’s of older headlines will be posted in chronological order until this blog is discussing current events again. Though some stories may no longer be as relevant as they once were, they remain interesting news items worthy of mention and viewer comments.

[This is a copyrighted editorial, originally published on http://www.NEWYORKCITYonline.com/NYC-Online/blog.php. We invite you to post your comments and reply to others. This piece may be duplicated or printed with permission.]

Gotham City Crime Stats Deserve Congrats

In 2008, overall crime numbers in the city dropped for the 18th consecutive year. Not all crimes. Compared to 2007, murder was up 5% and robbery rose by 2%. Rape was down 1% and burglary dropped 6%. All major crime (113,348 cases) was down 4%. Our police are definitely doing more with less manpower and resources. Crime-fighting advances in technology and officer re-assignments were given much credit but most of the praise and thanks should be lavished on the men and women of the NYPD. Individually and together, they bravely maintain the thin blue line between New Yorkers and chaos. Kudos to the cops!

IMPORTANT NOTE: This piece was written today about an older New York City news headline. NYCo site delays prevented its publication before now. In an effort to entertain and educate this blog’s devoted viewers, 100’s of older headlines will be posted in chronological order until this blog is discussing current events again. Though some stories may no longer be as relevant as they once were, they remain interesting news items worthy of mention and viewer comments.

[This is a copyrighted editorial, originally published on http://www.NEWYORKCITYonline.com/NYC-Online/blog.php. We invite you to post your comments and reply to others. This piece may be duplicated or printed with permission.]

Black Eyes In The Big Apple

The eyes of a New York woman

Are eyes that can hold a man

She swept me off of my feet

Made my world seem so complete

I'll never have to look for more

I found what I've been lookin' for

Deep in the eyes of a New York woman

Deep in the eyes of a New York woman

Deep in the eyes of a New York woman
----- B.J. Thomas

Relationships between men and women are not always as lovely as those written about in a love song. 4,000 women entered emergency rooms in 2005 as victims of abuse. Not surprisingly to most who study the issue, hospital visits by black and Latino women, and in the borough of The Bronx, led the way. This crime is more common in poorer neighborhoods than more well-to-do ones. The problem is undoubtedly pervasive throughout the city as many cases probably go unreported. City officials urge abused women to get help. If you’re being abused, or know someone who is, call 311 or a toll-free hot line, 800-621-HOPE today. And ladies, when the pain subsides, consider the possibility of criminal persecution against the men who raise their fists against women. Let’s kick the bums out of New York City and make them residents of upstate New York … in prison.

Gas Fuels Frauds

As gas prices go up, more and more gas guzzling cars, trucks and SUV’s are going too. Some, supposedly by theft. Some, in flames. So far in 2008, New York State Insurance Department investigators have caught 88 insurance scammers in New York City alone. That’s compared to just 77 here in all of 2007. The climbing fraud statistics are reminiscent of those seen in the 1970's when gas prices also rose significantly. Disgusted owners of fuel wasting vehicles believe they can only get a car's "book value" from their insurance carriers. Some are willing to risk arrest trying to fake a crime. Insurance companies are well aware of what goes on in today’s economic climate. Each have special investigative departments for the sole purpose of checking out insured’s claims. They use the latest investigative techniques whenever fraud is suspected ... and it usually is. They can and do deny payment even if there is no arrest of the vehicle’s owner. Borough car owners would be well advised to be satisfied with whatever they get legally for their inefficient vehicles, or simply to drive less. It beats making license plates in prison for someone else’s ride … or being an "inmate’s ride" while you’re in jail.