Violent mugging on Prospect Place

OP...sorry about your friend. I always thought that part of the block looked shady. I try to avoid walking that way on Prospect. Can't believe it happened so early in the evening.

The thing is, it doesn't look shady....and if it does look shady/dark to someone, what is one to do? Walk down Park Place, Sterling, or St. Mark's? Muggings have occurred on these blocks as well.

There's dozens and dozens of us on this board who walk home from GAP or 7th Avenue station due east. And from what I read here and heard (second-hand) from the police is that folks are being targeted when they let their guards down, i.e., talking on cell or with the iPod on. I never walk with the earbuds, don't answer the phone on the street at night (I am shutting it off from now on), and look over my shoulder and across the street every few minutes.... but is this going to be enough?

Fjord wrote:

OP...sorry about your friend. I always thought that part of the block looked shady. I try to avoid walking that way on Prospect. Can't believe it happened so early in the evening.

The thing is, it doesn't look shady....

You're right...it's when you get closer to Washington on the north side that looks bad.

i live in crown heights and when i walk into prospect heights i always think everything looks so nice and couldnt imagine a mugging happening there.

That's kinda how I felt before I joined this forum.

Subject: muggings

It is surprising all the muggings going on in Prospect Heights. Last spring it was all Crown Heights with the preadolescent kids.
I guess the kids that were caught a few weeks ago weren't the main proponents of whats been going on.
And someone mentioned turning off their phone for the walk home. I would think you'd want to keep in on in case you're targeted and need help immediately.

And someone mentioned turning off their phone for the walk home. I would think you'd want to keep in on in case you're targeted and need help immediately.

Yeah, that was me....you're likely right. I just don't want it ringing at an inopportune time, but yeah, the option to dial 911 is reason enough to keep it on. So I shall.

Another thing: It seems that the crooks are sans weapons, rely on sucker punches, surprise, etc., and are interested chiefly in electronics and handbags. Where are they fencing all this stuff? I don't believe they're bored and stroll around PH looking for opportunities to arise: I think there's probably a degree of planning involved, that they're looking (obviously) for cells, iPods, and items that they can get money for.

I am getting pissed writing this. It sucks to have to look over my shoulder and have my heart race a bit when I pass a dumpster or parked van/big truck on the street. So it goes.

Fjord wrote: Another thing: It seems that the crooks are sans weapons, rely on sucker punches, surprise, etc.,

maybe it's time for us all to enroll in self defense classes?

also, hate to be a doubting dan, but was the punch to the face, or to the back of the head?

what do youns think, if we see a punch coming, should we try to avoid it/run/defend ourselves? or is it best to just forfeit immediately?

bobbybrummel wrote: what do youns think, if we see a punch coming, should we try to avoid it/run/defend ourselves? or is it best to just forfeit immediately?

Tough call. You never know who you're dealing with. They could have weapons and things could escalate. I guess it comes down to what your belongings are worth. I'm really not sure what I'd do since I've never been in a situation like that <knocks>.

i have an expensive watch, headphones, and ipod. unless i see a knife or a gun, im going to struggle, yell, and run like hell if anyone tries to mug me.

i think my plan tonight (should i make it down my street in one piece) is to dig out my old broken ipod, and then put that in my coat pocket to toss off at the first sign of trouble. maybe i'll rubberband some cash to it. what's a good amount of "mugging money" these days?

haha, are you serious?

mr. met wrote: haha, are you serious?

I can see the reasoning in that - growing up here you always carried "muggers money" which was money you would give up if you got mugged.

EDIT TO ADD - Penny I hope your roommate will be okay and Im sorry this happened to them.

I was walking home from work today with the victim of the aforementioned mugging and as we walked past the very spot that it happened, at the same time of day, I was pleased to see a patrol car parked right there with two cops in the front seat. (I wish they had been in that same spot exactly one week ago!)

I know one cop car on one corner doesn't solve the whole mugging problem that's going on, but I was happy to see that there seems to be some sort of response from the police.

by the way, to answer bobbybrumbel's question, the 1st punch came from behind and was to the eye.

bobbybrummel wrote: i think my plan tonight (should i make it down my street in one piece) is to dig out my old broken ipod, and then put that in my coat pocket to toss off at the first sign of trouble. maybe i'll rubberband some cash to it. what's a good amount of "mugging money" these days?

always tip your mugger!

while it's terrible that mugging happens to anyone, i am glad people post about it here. it's gotten me to be more cautious especially with such a long walk home from the subway. i never really wore my headphones outside of the train to begin with, don't like feeling isolated from the world around me. but i'm just more weary of what and who's around.

also on the subject of the board being nothing but happy hours and stoop sales... what's wrong with that? if i can pick up someone's vinyl collection for dirt cheap and then go celebrate with a $2 glass Hopitcal Illusion i'm a happy camper.

rtraindweller wrote:

also on the subject of the board being nothing but happy hours and stoop sales... what's wrong with that? if i can pick up someone's vinyl collection for dirt cheap and then go celebrate with a $2 glass Hopitcal Illusion i'm a happy camper.

There's nothing at all wrong with that. I've been known to do the same myself on occasion.