NYPD Steps Up Presence In Wake Of S.I. Bias Attacks

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Police are ramping up security on Staten Island in the wake of a string of bias attacks.

In addition to the Hate Crimes Task Force team that's been working in the area over the last several months, there will now be two sky watch towers in Port Richmond and significantly more officers patrolling the streets.

There will also be a temporary mobile command van set up on Port Richmond Avenue.

One man who was attacked in April says it can only help.

"Yes. It's better. Now you can go to the store without fear of being attacked. It's good that there are more police around. Also around my house the police are doing their job," said one victim," said attack victim Rogerio Vasquez.

The Guardian Angels say they will also patrol the streets of Staten Island in the wake of the beatings.

"You know that they're out there to keep the peace and I think there needs to be more symbols of that taking place," said Guardian Angels Founder Curtis Sliwa.

Despite all of the patrols, some Staten Islanders tell NY1 they remain skeptical that the attacks will end.

"Honestly speaking, I don't think it's going to stop with the police being around because it still happens every day," said one Port Richmond resident.

The NYPD says a Hate Crimes Task Force team has been working in the area over the last several months.

While there have been few arrests since the attacks began earlier this year, police are still urging victims to come forward -- pointing out that investigators will not ask about immigration status.