Over 30 cars vandalized in Bay Ridge over the weekend

BAY RIDGE — Here we go again.

Dozens of Bay Ridge residents who parked along Shore Road in the 70s woke up on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 17 to slashed tires and keyed cars.

This latest incident comes after about 35 cars were keyed or had their tires slashed over the past month between 83rd and 93rd streets, with many of the incidents occurring on the weekend of Oct. 26. To try to thwart the vandalism, after the earlier incidents, the 68th Precinct had increased patrols in the area in the overnight hours and set up light towers.

More recently, according to an NYPD spokesperson, “The commanding officer of the 68th Precinct … has deployed Neighborhood Coordination Officers, patrol officers and anti-crime personnel to the area to conduct patrols to monitor the area and search for a suspect(s) during every tour.  The Detective Squad has increased personnel to help enhance the investigation, which remains ongoing.”

Among the people asking for stepped-up patrols has been Councilmember Justin Brannan, who on Sunday broke the bad news via social media. “As you may have heard, many cars were vandalized last night along Shore Road in the 70s (tires slashed, etc),” he wrote. “I’ve spoken with the 68 Precinct and they are looking for video. If your car was hit last night, please file a police report. NYPD will have increased patrols in this area.”

Also asking for an increased police presence was State Sen. Andrew Gounardes who, in a joint statement with Brannan, said, “We cannot and will not allow vandals to continue to damage our neighborhood with impunity. We have demanded more resources from City Hall, NYPD Patrol Borough Brooklyn South and have asked that the 68th Precinct immediately increase patrolling during the overnight hours in Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights. It is imperative that the NYPD catch these vandals as soon as possible and we will do whatever we can to support the 68th Precinct to make sure that happens. In the meantime, let’s all be safe, keep our eyes open and look out for each other.”

“The safety and wellbeing of all those in our community is paramount and needs to be prioritized,” agreed Rep. Max Rose. “The lowlifes responsible for the recent string of vandalism along Shore Road and Third Avenue must be brought to justice. My team and I are in contact with the 68th Precinct and encourage anyone with information to reach out to the authorities.”

Local resident John O’Brien saw the aftermath of the vandalism.