Incidents of shootings, murder, and other bellwether crimes in New York City were markedly reduced again in February compared to the same month last year, while major offenses committed in the city’s subway system dropped more than 15 percent. Throughout the five boroughs, overall crime continued its downward trajectory, dipping another 1.1%.
Across the city in February, the number of shootings decreased 15.9% (53 vs. 63) compared to a year ago, resulting in 16 fewer people shot – a 19.8% reduction (65 vs. 81). Six fewer people were murdered during the month (21 vs. 27), a 22.2% curtailment from the prior February. Additionally, NYPD officers arrested 302 people for possession of an illegal firearm and seized 463 guns in February, adding to the 988 firearms taken off New York City streets through the first two months of the year – and the more than 14,600 guns seized by police since the start of 2022.
The category of grand larceny–auto dropped another 13% in February, logging the third such reduction in as many months. The NYPD’s ongoing efforts to thwart auto thefts have produced significant, tangible results, with 203 fewer vehicles stolen in New York City during the opening months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
NYPD officers have also been laser-focused on curbing the illegal use of motorized scooters. Every day, scooter operators put themselves and others at risk by recklessly driving unregistered and uninsured vehicles, speeding through red lights, or riding on sidewalks. In addition to blatant traffic violations, some riders or their passengers have committed shootings, robberies, and other violent acts. Since the start of this year, the NYPD has conducted massive confiscation operations throughout the city, and impounded hundreds of illegally parked or possessed motorized scooters. These collaborative efforts with our law enforcement partners are continuing.
Additionally in February, burglary realized an ongoing reduction with a 6.2% drop, followed by grand larceny with a dip of 0.3%. Felony assault and robbery each saw increases of 3.6% and 4.8%, respectively, and the number of reported rapes increased by three incidents. In public-housing developments, overall crime decreased 4.1% in February compared to the same month last year, led by an 8.8% drop in robbery (73 vs. 80), and a 13% reduction in felony assault (174 vs. 200). The total number of arrests made by police in Housing has increased about 14% year to date. Separately, the number of bias incidents investigated by the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force increased by one incident (28 v. 27) citywide.
To combat an earlier spike in Transit crime, the NYPD in February surged upward of 1,000 police officers per day into the nation’s largest and most-travelled subway system, resulting in a 15.4% drop in crime compared to the same month a year ago. Specifically, robbery – forcibly stealing from another person – decreased 5% (38 vs. 40), while grand larceny – theft from a person without the use of force, such as pickpocketing – plummeted 28.6% (70 vs. 98). Felony assault remained flat (35 vs. 35). Meanwhile, arrests in the Transit system – which accounts for less than 2% of all major crimes committed in New York City – are up about 45% year to date.
“We see our subway stations and trains as not just necessary means of rapid transit, but as neighborhoods unto themselves,” said Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “And it is easy to understand why: In each station, on each platform, in each train car – people are going to work, to school, to home, or to tourist destinations. They are the people who make New York City great by keeping us all connected, one ride at a time. In every community, both above ground and below, it is paramount that the NYPD continues to use every available resource to deter and prevent crime before it can happen, and to bring swift justice to victims if it does happen. That is the public safety New Yorkers expect and deserve from their police.”
*All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revision, or change.*
Index Crime Statistics: February 2024
| Feb. 2024 | Feb. 2023 | +/- | % Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 21 | 27 | -6 | -22.2% |
| Rape | 116 | 113 | 3 | 2.7% |
| Robbery | 1222 | 1166 | 56 | 4.8% |
| Felony Assault | 1968 | 1899 | 69 | -3.6% |
| Burglary | 1017 | 1084 | -67 | -6.2% |
| Grand Larceny | 3608 | 3620 | -12 | -0.3% |
| Grand Larceny Auto | 967 | 1111 | -144 | -13.0% |
| TOTAL | 8919 | 9020 | -101 | -1.1% |
Additional Statistics: February 2024
| Feb. 2024 | Feb. 2023 |
+/- | % Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Transit | 148 | 175 | -27 | -15.4% |
Housing | 444 | 463 | -19 | -4.1% |
Shooting Incidents | 53 | 63 | -10 | -15.9% |
Hate Crimes Statistics: February 2024
(Representing February 1 – February 29/28 for calendar years 2024 and 2023)
| Motivation | 2024 | 2023 | Diff | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Asian | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0% |
Black | 3 | 1 | 2 | 200% |
Ethnic | 4 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
Gender | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0% |
Hispanic | 0 | 1 | -1 | -100% |
Jewish | 17 | 13 | 4 | 31% |
Muslim | 1 | 0 | 1 | ** |
Religion | 0 | 1 | -1 | -100% |
Sexual Orientation | 1 | 6 | -5 | -83% |
White | 0 | 1 | -1 | -100% |
TOTAL | 28 | 27 | 1 | 4% |
No comments:
Post a Comment