Robert Battipaglia’s family has owned Grand Wine and Liquor on 31st Street in Astoria for 85 years. He said after a score of shoplifters — and even some violent incidents — he and his employees are on guard.

“Just a different feel, a different vibe on the street. There seem to be more homeless people, more mentally ill people around, and crime has gone up considerably, and we’ve been seeing a lot of that here,” said Battipaglia.

Earlier this month, Battipaglia says when he confronted a shoplifter — she attacked him. The incident spilled outside, and he says her accomplice pulled out a knife.

What You Need To Know

  • One liquor store owner says his employees are on guard after shoplifting and some violent incidents

  • According to NYPD data, overall, major felony crime is up 24% in the 114th Precinct this year

  • Battipaglia says he wants the city's focus on crime to beyond the transit system

  • Quality-of-life summons are up 120% in the 114th precinct to date.

Both were arrested, but the incident — which happened during daylight hours — has left the staff at the liquor store shaken.

“I feel uneasy in the neighborhood. I do. It’s just not the same. I don’t feel safer around here anymore,” said Teresa Mirabella, who works at the liquor store and lives in the area.

Battipaglia has gone as far as hiring a private security guard for his store.

“Which is a big expense on the business, but it’s something I felt was necessary because of all the issues and problems we’ve been having with people coming in off the street and causing disturbances and threatening our folks,” said Battipaglia.

According to NYPD data, overall, major felony crime is up 24% in the 114th Precinct this year — compared to the same period last year.

Robberies are up by 26% and felony assaults are up nearly 20%. However, the murder rate is down by 55%.

Roseann McSorley, who heads the Western Queens Business Committee, says the city needs to broaden its focus beyond the transit system.

“Crimes are not only in the subway, crimes are on the streets,” said McSorley, who owns Katch Astoria, a gastropub.

Both Battipaglia and McSorley say they believe it’ll take a joint partnership between the NYPD, elected officials and mental health specialists to get to the root of the problem in Astoria.

An NYPD spokesperson tells NY1 the focus is on public safety and quality-of-life issues, which is directly reflected in summons enforcement activity in the 114th Precinct. Summons in those areas are up 120% year to date. Major crime arrests are up by 20%. The 114 Precinct commanding officer is also working with the Queens District Attorney’s office regarding repeat offenders, including shoplifters.