Neighborhood newcomer ams recently stopped by the PH boards to ask about safety near her new apartment by the PH/CH border.
“I just moved to the area, from the very different California. I love my apartment, but I haven’t been comfortable walking, especially by myself or at night. I know live at the edge of Prospect Heights (st marks & grand), but I just wanted to know how comfortable the people here felt in the area – especially females. Do you feel safe taking the subways/shuttle and walking home?”
People who live around there left varying responses about how safe they feel, and their street wise advice on how to avoid getting mugged. But meanwhile on the Crown Heights board sillybilly was posting an account of a mugging that happened just up the street from ams’s new place.
“Just A Public Service Announcement: Friend & neighbor in my building was mugged last night (10/6/2008) around 10:30 pm on Prospect Place (btwn. Grand & Classon). Friend was coming home approaching our building and was accosted by a young fellow in hoodie asking for directions. The assailant wouldn’t let my friend pass and all of a sudden he was surrounded by 4 to 5 other “yutes” wearing hoodies and holding something metal to his neck, while rifling through his pockets & bag. Lost cell, wallet, etc. Punks demanded pin numbers but friend provided fake ones. The crew tried to withdraw cash (got nada) but were successful in charging several metrocards to the credit cards.
Friend called cops (the ol’ 77 pct.) who were serious and helpful. They all drove around for 30 mins. looking for the punks – to no avail.”
So to answer the original question, muggings do happen and it’s best to use some street smarts when walking home alone at night. Stop by the thread to hear about how Slappy McBluelips suggests you use a decoy to minimize the risk when getting mugged. And share your own street wise knowledge at Crown Heights Message Board – Mugging on Prospect Place (btwn. Grand & Classon) :: Brooklynian.com