HV Councilman Warns Constituents To Use Caution Traveling To NYC

EAST FISHKILL, NY — A councilman in the town of East Fishkill took it upon himself to issue a travel advisory warning Dutchess County residents to "exercise increased caution" if they visit New York City. Anil Beephan Jr. posted a letter on Facebook that read, "Violent crime - such as homicide, shootings, felony assault, grand larceny, and robberies is widespread."

He said armed criminals have been known to target and attack people — at random and with pre-meditation.

Separate from the letter, Beephan posted a disclaimer that read, "This is not a notice from the Town but an advisory issued by Councilman Beephan to commuters in the local area."

He blamed the disbandment of the New York Police Department anti-crime plainclothes unit in June combined with criminal justice reforms causing officers and judges to not be able to provide adequate services and protection for crime victims.

Beephan told people to reconsider travel to the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens due to crime.

Patch received no response to a request for comment from East Fishkill Town Supervisor Nicholas D'Alessandro.

Appearing on "Good Day New York" Tuesday, Beephan said he meant no disrespect to New Yorkers. He said his constituents work in and travel to the city and he wanted them to be aware of what is going on in the city.

He said he never said for people to not travel into New York City, "I just said to take extra precautions."

According to the East Fishkill Republican website, Beephan is a long-time resident of the town, who served as a volunteer fireman. He received a bachelor degree in political science and worked as a community representative to state Senator Sue Serino.

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