Prospect Park Crime Blitz

GANGS' TERROR IN PARK

PROSPECT ROB BLITZ


By LARRY CELONA and GEORGETT ROBERTS

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May 30, 2006 -- EXCLUSIVE

Teenage wolf packs have mugged nine people in and around Brooklyn's Prospect Park in the past six weeks - and three in 10 days, police said yesterday.

Most of the victims were teens who found themselves suddenly surrounded by a larger group of youths, typically five to eight.

The victims were overpowered and their cellphones and money were stolen, cops said.

The latest victim was a 53-year-old man who was surrounded by eight teenagers Wednesday, shoved to the sidewalk, kicked and robbed.

Cops have beefed up patrols, but park-goers are still worried - and angry.

"These kids out there eventually become parents. Would they want their children to be robbed?" asked Clement Hazell, 37, who was in the park yesterday with his 5-year-old daughter.

"What if someone did to them what they're doing to us? How would they feel?"

The frightening robberies were the latest in a series of 16 such crimes since mid-January. Cops have managed to arrest eight people in five attacks, but the mugging spree has not slowed.

Investigators aren't sure whether they're looking for one or more organized gangs or just random groups.

Residents enjoying the sunshine yesterday said the spree had them scared to use the park. A 30-year-old Park Slope resident who asked that she not be named said, "Part of the reason I live here is to be in the park. I used to come after work and sit and read. I won't do that anymore."

The attacks began Jan. 11. There were two attacks April 28 and then two Wednesday, including the one involving the 53-year-old victim.

One suspect was arrested Jan. 25, another Feb. 9, a third March 21, then three April 28 and two May 5.

Many of the robberies occurred just outside the park and the muggers fled inside it. Regulars in the park said they take special precautions.

"I try to come when it's light out. I always have my guard up," said Steven Morales, 38, of Fort Greene, who jogs and works out four or five times a week in the park.

"I notice when there's someone near me or behind me and I'll pull over and let them pass," said Morales, an architect.


http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/69314.htm