DRIVERS could be looking at thousands of dollars in fines as law enforcement cracks down on specific vehicles.
Under the new initiative, police have already towed roughly 400 cars within two weeks.
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A pilot program has received over 2,000 quality of life complaints from frustrated New Yorkers in just over two weeks, as reported by the New York Post.
The program specifically targets abandoned vehicles around the city.
Since the program’s inception, officers have taken roughly 400 abandoned and illegal vehicles and scooters off the streets.
“This agency can walk and chew gum at the same time,” NYPD Deputy Chief William Glynn said.
“We have been fighting crime so effectively year over year with double-digit reductions.”
“These types of issues we’re focusing on now need renewed attention. We can do both and we will.”
This is part of a bigger initiative led by “Q-Team” from Brooklyn’s 75th Precinct to address community complaints.
Although this issue is something the city has previously addressed, it is hoping to tackle this problem with a newfound effort.
“We remove significantly damaged vehicles that have been abandoned on public property and unusable bikes chained to public property,” as stated on the NYC Department of Sanitation website.
The department clearly states that any vehicle that has been abandoned on public property could be towed or fined $1,000.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch hopes that the initiative will grow into a 2,000-strong NYPD division that can address frequent 311 complaints.
This includes everything from panhandling and noise pollution to abandoned vehicles.
“If you look at the statistics going back even five years, almost 90% of these calls are either parking related or noise related,” Glynn said.
“So we’re focusing on that.”
The effort has been backed by New Yorkers who are sick of seeing abandoned vehicles on the streets.
How to report an abandoned car
Reporting an abandoned vehicle is important for keeping city streets safe and clean
Not only is an abandoned car an eyesore, it’s also a hazard to the surrounding community as pests and rodents can take refuge in the interior, engine bay, or trunk.
Leaking fluids can be dangerous for the environment, as many vehicle fluids are toxic and can wreak havoc on ecosystems if they enter waterways.
They can also encourage crime with several cities like Oakland, California reporting that drug dealers may use them to hide and side drugs or weapons.
Abandoned vehicles can also lower property values.
Therefore, they’re worth Specific contact information for your city’s abandoned car hotline may vary, but the necessary information on the vehicle is the same.
When reporting an abandoned vehicle, police will need:
- The exact address of the vehicle
- Information on the steering column (broken, missing, intact, etc)
- Condition of the vehicle (severely damaged, windows broken, leaking fluids, missing body panels or doors, etc)
- Make and model
- Color
- Body style (pickup truck, SUV, sedan, etc)
- License plate number and state, if applicable
- VIN
Many cities will allow residents to report abandoned vehicles online through an online form, or it can be called in.
Source: ABC affiliate WPVI-TV
“Cars on the street are a major issue in East New York,” local chef Daron Linson said.
“We have cars that have been abandoned on the street for years. Abandoned cars prevent garbage being picked up and takes up parking spots.”
Getting rid of the derelict vehicles also means the task force is creating a safer environment for other drivers and pedestrians around the city.
“This is about serving, protecting and making sure the community is safe,” Linson said of the new NYPD effort.
“In order to be save, you have to clean up. They’re doing a good job.”
Five other NYPD commands are participating in the effort, including the 40th Precinct in the Bronx, the 60th Precinct and Police Service Area 1 in Brooklyn, the 101st Precinct in Queens, and Manhattan’s 13th Precinct.
Although 75% of calls are anonymous, they are still addressed seriously by the task force.
“The plan is before the end of the year to have it rolled out citywide,” Glynn said.
“As we take in information, we see what works, what doesn’t. And then we adjust as we go forward,” he addd.