Brooklyn, NY – Despite statements yesterday that the rash of tire slashing that swept through Flatbush’s Jewish community were not motivated by anti-Semitism, the NYPD has determined that the incidents were bias related and the case is being handled by the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force.

“Although non-Jewish people also had their tires slashed, the hate crimes unit was called in because these incidents occurred in a largely Jewish neighborhood and near three synagogues,” City Councilman Chaim Deutsch, who represents much of the area where the vandalism occurred, told VIN News.

Deutsch spent much of the day yesterday working hand in hand with the NYPD and ensuring that there was a visible police presence in the area to deter any further criminal mischief last night.

“We have been working around the clock, obtaining videos and enhancing footage so that we can identify the culprits,” said Deutsch. “Detectives have been out on foot in the area, taking reports on the street to make it easier for residents.”

Deutsch urged everyone whose car was damaged to file a report with the NYPD to help police establish a clearer picture of the number and locations of cars affected in the vandalism spree and possibly identify a pattern in the attacks. Deutsch also noted that having a more accurate number of cars involved will also result in stiffer charges once the perpetrators have been identified and apprehended.

“I came across one guy last night at 11 PM who didn’t want to file a report but I explained to him why it was important to do so,” said Deutsch. “If you don’t make a report it is like it never happened according to the NYPD.”

Video below: Shimon Gifter speaks to a few residents of Flatbush who had their vehicle damaged.



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Acknowledging that many feel that filing a report is both discouraging and time consuming, Deutsch said that his office will be happy to step in and work with residents to make the process as convenient as possible.

An NYPD “Wanted” poster released by Deutsch’s office last night show pictures obtained by surveillance footage of a white woman, clad in a winter coat, scarf, light colored pants, gloves and just over the knees boots as well a white man in a winter jacket and light colored pants. Both appear to be holding some kind of object in their hands, possibly a knife or a screwdriver. Police estimate that the tire slashings took place between midnight and 2 AM on Sunday morning in the Homecrest area.

Noting the value of surveillance footage taken from private homes, Deutsch urged anyone with video surveillance in the area to contact either his office at 718 368 9176 or the NYPD and he vowed to continue his efforts to help apprehend those responsible for the vandalism.

“I take every crime seriously and these are very disturbing to me,” said Deutsch. “I am making myself available 24 hours a day in case any additional information comes up, working very closely with the detective squads and hate crimes on these incidents.”



State Senator Simcha Felder noted that with his years of experience as the founder of Flatbush Shomrim, Deutsch was uniquely qualified to be handling this matter with the NYPD. Felder, who has been working closely with Deutsch, questioned whether the recent protests have left local areas with inadequate police protection, and he called upon the NYPD to increase its presence in the area.

“I am very concerned that due to the holiday season, but particularly because of the protests, resources are being taken away from the local community,” said Felder. “We have to make sure that the local precincts are fully staffed with the regular officers that understand and know the community and are not only fully staffed but given the extra staff that we so clearly need.”

Anyone with any information regarding these incidents is asked to call NYPD Detective David Gonzalez at 718-627-6639 or Detective Borough Brooklyn South at 718-287-3239.