The MiMo Biscayne Association would like to extend a hearty welcome to our new Upper Eastside Police Commander, Tommy Carroll, who replaces retiring UES Commander Freddy D’Agostino.
Commander Carroll is an 18-year veteran of the City of Miami Police Department. Prior to his recent promotion, he headed the narcotics and vice bureau of Miami PD’s Special Investigations Section, which targets major criminal activities in the South Florida area, including money laundering, drug trafficking and counter-terrorism. His appointment to the Upper Eastside marks a new chapter in his career which he is looking forward to, noting that the time was right for him to move from behind-the-scenes undercover operations into the more public sphere of community law enforcement.
MiMo Biscayne Association Board members recently had the opportunity to meet with Commander Carroll and his two right-hand-men, Officers Joaquin Polanco and Corey Couto, for an update on crime in the MiMo Biscayne Boulevard Historic District. The news was good. We on the Upper Eastside now enjoy the lowest crime rate in the City of Miami! Year over year, crime in the UES is down 18%.
We asked Commander Carroll to tell us what crimes are most prevalent in the historic district. The good news is that violent crimes are uncommon. The bad news is that car break-ins are not. Commander Carroll and his two officers had some safety tips specifically for MiMo business owners and their clientele:
- Avoid car break-ins by putting loose personal items in the trunk of your car before you leave the house. The thieves are watching you. If they see you putting something in the trunk after you’ve parked, you may return to find a window smashed and the trunk wide open and empty.
- “Park Smart.” Never leave your car doors unlocked or sun-roof open. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Business owners can avoid many problems and keep exterior areas cleaner by posting “No Trespassing” signs. The presence of a sign allows the police to remove unruly persons and vagrants who may be sleeping on the doorstep. Without a “No Trespassing” sign, the police have no authority to act. For help in obtaining a sign, contact the Upper Eastside NET office.