Crime wave in Astoria sparks call for new civilian patrols and block watchers

NY Daily News wrote on the recent efforts by Senator Gianaris and other elected officials to resond to the string of crime in Astoria. Senator Gianaris' bills to protect children from predators in addition to expanding the Good Samaritan Law to small businesses will combat these crimes and reduce the amount of danger in our streets.

A recent spate of gropings, car break-ins and purse snatchings is sparking calls for expanded civilian patrols and block watchers in Astoria.

[...]

Vallone, along with state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas (D-Astoria), rallied with local residents last week and unveiled a anti-crime plan that includes both legislation and civic activism.

“We want to nip this in the bud,” said Gianaris.Gianaris said he is introducing a bill to expand the “Good Samaritan” law to provide liability protections to businesses that serve as safe havens for crime victims. 

Read the full article here.