WEST SIDE CRIME PROGRAM EXPANDS TO HARLEM

the safe haven program started by the west side crime prevention program is expanding north of 110th street.

businesses part of the safe haven program would don a yellow decal that lets children know they can find help in these stores if they feel threatened on the street. once inside the store, employees could call the police or the child's parents for assistance. the program will start covering west and central harlem, manhattanville, morningside heights and hamilton heights.

marjorie cohen, executive director of the west side crime prevention program, is planning on recruiting an additional 200 stores in the new neighborhoods by the end of the school year.

"this program proves that when communities work together with local law enforcement officials, we can prevent crime and increase safety for our most vulnerable new yorkers," said borough president scott stringer, in a statement.