Guardian Angels Patrol Crime-Ridden LI Community

Last month, the Guardian Angels visited Huntington Station, to explore whether a safety patrol would be of help to that small part of Huntington—according to 1010 WINS, "There have been over a dozen stabbings, shootings, and two murders in the last few months." The Housing Authority's chair, Dr. William Spencer, just announced that the Guardian Angels would be patrolling the area until the end of the year, explaining, “I think the police are doing a fantastic job, but they’re extended. They’re using overtime, and they are fighting gang violence head-on. It’s not, long-term, going to do anything to change the environment." Curtis Sliwa founded the group in response to NYC crime during the 1970s.

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By Jen Chung in News on October 14, 2010 8:38 AM

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DEFIANTROA

Need to work on deporting some of the trash that live in and around Huntington Station, but unfortunately the businesses and landscapers there need the cheap workers to maintain the monstrosity of the houses on the northern size of Huntington.

billyjack44

Latin American gangs, when they move into a suburban area, immediately put local police in a difficult position. Investigations increase, patrols increase, etc. It's like a war suddenly broke out. Their violence is totally unpredictable, vicious, and swift. Language bariers, terrified residents unwilling to report crimes, and difficulty with identification (gang members don't sport colors anymore) all work against an easy solution. This ain't "Boyz in the Hood" or "Sharks and Jets". I live near Hunt Sta., and believe me, I drive around, not through, that area. You could catch a bullet anytime of day in that zone. Sucks for the residents, for sure.

rdayk

I grew up in Huntington Station in the 70s and early 80s. It was always a rough area but in those days, mostly blue collar and Vietnam vets who had been given housing benefits after their service. There was crime, but very little gang activity. My neighborhood was largely African-American and Italian. It has gotten so much worse in recent years and I believe that is partly due to the unfettered illegal immigration. Unscrupulous landlords allow illegal immigrants to crowd into houses way too small to accomodate so many people. Gangs from Latin America have carved out a stronghold in Huntington Station. It is really a shame.

Streetsmartz

Growing up in that area it is really bad. There is prostitution, robberies and tons of gang violence. They really need to clean it up. But like someone already said I don't think it's SCPD's top priority.

John L

They should go to Staten Island.

kazubes

Off topic but from looking at their site, what exactly does the Japan chapter o this group do? Doesn't Japan have one of the lowest crime rates in the world?

Dogsbody

Maybe that's a sign of how successful the Japanese Guardian Angels are! duh! ;)

Rocknrope

I'm sure they do a lot of bowing, and not getting in the Yakuza's way.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

If the police are doing a great job then why is he there????

dc4416

"I think the police are doing a fantastic job, but they’re extended"

Did you read it? The police are over extended, and no doubt on a majority basis, probably have no experience of dealing with gang violence.

Respect out to Mr. Sliwa. A vet against gang on gang violence and those caught in its crossfires.