The recent mugging of a 70-year-old woman has sent waves of fear through Canarsie as well as members of the Association of Informed Voices, where the victim was a member.
During last week’s Informed Voices meeting, Captain Milt Marmara, the commanding officer of the 69th Precinct, assured members that the three young women responsible for the November 3 attack have been indicted.
On that fateful morning, the senior was approaching the corner of Avenue M and East 94th Street at 5:30 a.m. when she was attacked by three women, the oldest 18, the youngest 17.
The suspects punched the senior, knocked her to the ground and ran off with her purse, officials said.
Police were quick to respond and arrested the three suspects, identified as 17-year-old Mariah Green, 18-year-old Demaris Bryan and 18-year-old Jasmin Day, who were all charged with robbery.
Addressing Informed Voices members, Marmara explained that robberies are down for the year — by three percent according to the most recent estimates — but said he understood how this incident struck association members to the core.
While the November 3 attack detracts from the “small town” feel that Canarsians have come to enjoy, the neighborhood could be that way again, he said.
“Canarsie can be a big small town, but everyone has to watch out for each other,” he said. “How often do you check on a neighbor or an elderly person that you know lives on the block? People here still knock on each other’s doors and look out for each other.”
Wanda Ihrig, Association president, said that “everyone here is really hurt” over what happened on Avenue M.
To prevent further incidents like that one from happening, cops from the 69th Precinct disseminated holiday safety tips to Association members.
Ihrig told those in attendance that they should take this information, which include purchasing locked mailboxes and timed lights to fool burglars, to heart.
Ihrig also encouraged residents to carry whistles and walk in the middle of the street when they are walking home late at night.
“If you feel you are being followed, start blowing it,” she said. “Everybody turned around to see what it is and thieves do not want that kind of attention.”
“It doesn’t matter what people think of you,” she said. “Make sure you feel safe.”