WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. July 14, 2005: As first reported as in the planning stages last week by WPCNR, White Plains Police have moved to increase security patrols in the seven municipal garagesof White Plains. Commissioner of Public Safety Dr. Frank Straub, in an exclusive interview with Richard Liebson, The Journal News reporter, the Commissioner is quoted as saying, "We've looked at security issues there and believe it's appropriate to make our presence more visible and more accessible to the public."

Liebson's story, appearing in today's issue of the paper, quotes Straub as saying patrols were immediately increased after the June 29 killing of Concetta Russo-Carriero. The killing brought to light the security conditions existing in the Galleria garage when the police interrogation revealed that Ms. Russo-Carriero's suspected assailant had been wandering in the garage for over two hours before the murder. Liebson reports the increased patrols will include bicycle police, motorcyle, foot and patrol cars.

Police statistics presented in The Journal News story showed that 74 serious crimes were committed in the seven city garages over the last two years. A total of  67 property crimes and 7 crimes against people were committed. Five of those people crimes were committed in The Galleria. In addition a suicide of a homeless person was reported in March of 2004.

Albert Moroni, Director of Parking in White Plains is reported in the story as saying security cameras are in fixed positions allowing them only to monitor traffic (not sweep the garages), and he also reports camera monitors are located within the elevators at The Galleria Garage.