Rise in break-ins linked to reluctance on the part of some residents to use banks

Break-ins in East Boston are at a two year high according to Boston Police statistics and while the 129 break-ins so far this year is only slightly higher than last year its 63 more than all of 2008.

Eastie is no different than the rest of the city where break-ins have jumped 11.5 percent but here Police Commissioner Ed Davis said the break-ins can be attributed to the large immigrant population’s reluctance to use traditional bank systems.

It’s obviously no secret, judging from the spike in break-ins, that criminals are targeting the immigrant population because they know the population is more inclined to leave large sums of money at home rather than in the bank.

Davis said he wants to begin an educational campaign here and go door to door encouraging the immigrant population of the danger and the benefits of using traditional banking.

At First Priority Credit Union, business development manager Derek Brodin said his bank can be a help to both the police and citizens here.

“In light of these recent break ins, local financial institutions such as First Priority can be a valuable tool for concerned citizens wishing to protect their hard earned assets,” said Brodin. “Our East Boston branch has seen a recent up-tick in new accounts and we continue to educate these members and others about the importance of protecting their assets through traditional banking.”

Recently, District 7’s new Police Captain Frank Mancini was at a luncheon in Eastie and said, although break-ins may be a little high there has been an overall 12 percent reduction in crime in neighborhood, with almost all major crime categories showing decreases.

“During the first four months of 2010, the men and women of District 7 have worked hard in reducing crime in East Boston and the crime statistics for 2010 to date reflect that hard work,” said Mancini. “At District 7 we will be continuing our efforts to maintain these gains in several ways. As always, we encourage the residents and business community to be partners with us in keeping East Boston a safe place to live and work.”

In reviewing the major crime categories, residential burglary has decreased 17 percent in 2010, aggravated assaults have decreased 30 percent, street robberies have seen a 10 percent decrease, rape is down about 50 percent and larcenies have seen an 18 percent reduction. 

“Overall, we have seen a 23 percent drop in violent crime, and an 8 percent decrease in property crime this year so far,” he said. “Thankfully, we have seen no homicides this year in East Boston.”

However, Mancini said aside from break-ins Eastie has seen also an increase in stolen car reports, primarily Hondas, and are looking at possible causes for this increase in reporting.

“We continue to remind residents to always lock their cars and remove any valuables from sight, as well as to use anti-theft devices or alarms for their vehicles,” he said.

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