The NYPD’s 113th Precinct is telling Jamaica residents to keep a tighter grip on their gadgets after a recent run of robberies that officers say have zeroed in on cell phones and other electronics. On Thursday, April 2, the precinct pushed out a round of safety tips, contact numbers and neighborhood program info meant to help people hang on to their devices and speak up when they see trouble. Officers framed the alert as part of routine community policing and outreach in the area.
What the Precinct Posted
In its message on the command’s official X account, the 113th warned that recent neighborhood robberies have been targeting cell phones and other electronic devices and urged residents to think twice about how and where they use them. The post advised people not to walk while talking on a phone, to keep devices out of sight when they are not in use, and to consider using a headset so potential thieves cannot easily spot valuables. It also plugged several NYPD community offerings, including the Operation ID property registration program, the Citizen’s Police Academy, youth Explorers, internships and a civilian ride along option, according to NYPD 113th Precinct.
How to Report Tips and Claim Rewards
Residents are told to call 911 for emergencies and 311 for non emergencies, according to the 113th Precinct. The post also pointed people to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS for anonymous tips. Rewards connected to those tips are administered with help from the New York City Police Foundation. For suspicious activity or possible threats, federal guidance directs New Yorkers to call 1-888-NYC-SAFE, per DHS.
Precautions and Local Context
Police stressed basic habits, such as putting phones away when they are not needed, staying alert in crowded spots and registering valuables through programs like Operation ID. The concern is simple: thieves often go for whatever tech they can see. Recent local coverage has tracked similar trends in Jamaica and nearby neighborhoods, including robberies at phone stores and street stickups where phones were snatched, and detectives have repeatedly asked the public for video and eyewitness tips, per QNS. Anyone with information is urged to use the hotlines listed by the precinct and to hold on to any security or cellphone footage that might help investigators.
Community Meetings and Getting Involved
The 113th holds regular Community Council meetings, typically on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m., according to the 113th Precinct. The council does not meet in July and August. Residents who want more information about Operation ID, ride alongs, youth Explorers, internships or other neighborhood programs can reach out to the precinct’s Community Affairs or Crime Prevention offices for details.
