Police up presence in Sandy-damaged sections of N.Y.

NEW YORK — Police have increased their presence in New York City neighborhoods still struggling with the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

The Staten Island Advance says break-ins left some residents on the island so frustrated and angry that they’d talked of setting booby traps and administering vigilante justice.

In at least eight houses, thieves cut out recently-installed copper piping. That caused flooding in homes that were just a few weeks away from becoming habitable again.

Police made several quick arrests. But they’re not taking any chances.

Ten patrol cars are being dedicated around the borough’s east shore.

Deputy Inspector Joseph Veneziano says the patrols will focus on areas where some houses still remain vacant. They include Ocean Breeze, Midland Beach and part of Oakwood.