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In Babylon, Crack Down On Gang
Violence
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| By:Larry
Swasey |
December
01, 2004 |
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Dozens of people showed up last week at
Babylon Town Hall to receive an update on how the town was fighting
gang activity and what to do to help. On November 23 the town hosted
Suffolk County Police Department gang experts, the town's Gang Task
Force and probation officials, among others, according to Babylon
Special Prosecutor Paul
Margiotta.
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"We wanted people to know what they
wear and the type of graffiti they use so not only can people stay
away from them but so they will also be able to recognize gang
activity," Margiotta said. He stated there has been some gang
activity in town, but not as much as other areas, and it is best to
make sure neighborhoods are aware of what to look for if this
activity does materialize. "We were also bringing together people to
share this information so those in the community and the civic
groups can let us know about suspicious activities," Margiotta said.
Nearly 60 residents showed up for the meeting, he noted.
As an
example of how a simple, low-key interaction with gang members can
escalate, Margiotta said Suffolk County Police Lieutenant Thomas
Kelly of the First Precinct relayed to the crowd the story of how a
young teenage girl received more than 100 stitches after being
slashed in the face by a gang member in a local mall earlier this
year. He added that he hoped the information would help residents
realize what a simple encounter can turn into when gang members are
involved.
The seminar last week also provided an update to the
town's Gang Task Force activities, according to the town, as well as
its future plans.
Margiotta said this was just another part of
the town's fight to stem the growth of gang activity in Babylon that
has been seen in other parts of Suffolk County. The town has passed
tougher graffiti laws that require the property owner to clean up
the spray-painted scrawls quickly or be fined, and also enhanced the
municipality's loitering code within the past year as part of the
effort, he noted.
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| ©Suffolk
Life Newspapers 2004 |
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