New York City police on Monday raided a troubled Jackson Heights neighborhood where immigrant fraudsters peddle stolen goods and prostitutes ply their trade in broad daylight, a day after the Post’s revelations.
Shortly after 4:30 p.m., police and city officials converged on an illegal open-air market and robbed illegal vendors of blankets and beach towels that were being sold at deep discounts on the sidewalk along Roosevelt Avenue near 91st Street. did.
But bigger fish slipped through their fingers. The thieves, tipped off by a security guard monitoring the suspicious activity, hurriedly sent vendors to load the goods into a waiting SUV, then screeched away just seconds before police arrived. Ta.
“We responded today,” NYPD Sergeant John Chell said at the scene. “We’ve been here before, with brothels, illegal bicycles, vending machines, etc. So this will be an ongoing process. It’s going to take time, but thanks to the residents of Queens. is”
Chell said the police, health department and other agencies took part in the raid.
The Post reported Sunday that the Queens neighborhood has been transformed into a shopping district for illegal immigrants, with goods stolen from nearby retailers being sold outside at deep discounts.
Disgruntled merchants said they witnessed goods being sold on the sidewalk being snatched from shelves, but were unable to do anything about it.
One underground retailer boasted a full display of power tools from a nearby hardware store that still had tags on them.
Meanwhile, sex workers roam the streets from early morning, madams point out a possible joke, and local walkers serve as sleazy brothels.
When the Post returned on Monday, it found that many of the major unscrupulous dealers had taken leave for the day, spooked by the sudden appearance of television crews.
Regular police car patrols less than five blocks from the nearest substation also helped quell ongoing illegal activity.
When the NYPD raid became a reality, sex workers went indoors to wait for the police to arrive.
Department spokeswoman Kaz Daughtry confirmed Monday that no arrests had been made.
So far this year, the city has received more than 311 complaints about questionable businesses on the block, including more than 20 complaints about unsightly conditions and illegal activity, according to city records.
But local residents complain that without the police, it will be business as usual.
“They’re going to come back. There’s no question,” said Elliott, who works in the neighborhood. “TV cameras and police chased them away today, but they will all be back tonight.
“Most of them are standing there right now,” he said, gesturing under the block.
