New York City Experiences Historic Drop in Crime for 2016
Fewest Annual Index Crimes Ever Recorded
Annual Shooting Incidents Fall Below 1,000 For The First Time Ever
New York City has experienced a consistent and significant reduction in overall crime during the last twelve months. Several index crime categories have posted historic reductions. Among the new benchmarks for 2016 are overall index crime, and shooting incidents.
For 2016, there were 101,606 crimes reported in New York City, compared with 105,921 in 2015. This is a reduction of 4,315 crimes in 2016, or -4.1%. This marks the fewest annual index crimes ever reported in the modern Compstat-era. For 2016, there were 998 shooting incidents reported, compared with 1,138 in 2015. This is a reduction of 140 shootings in 2016, or -12.3%. This marks the fewest annual shooting incidents ever reported in the modern Compstat-era.
For 2016, there were 335 murders reported, compared with 352 in 2015. This is a reduction of 17 crimes, or -4.8%. There were 1,436 rapes reported in 2016, compared with 1450 in 2015. This is a reduction of 14 crimes, or -1%. There were 15,489 robberies reported in 2016, compared with 16, 971 in 2015. This is a reduction of 1,482 crimes, or -8.7%. There were 20, 807 felonious assaults reported in 2016, compared with 20,375 in 2015. This is an increase of 432 crimes, or +2.1%. There were 12,969 burglaries reported in 2016, compared with 15,183 in 2015. This is a reduction of 2214 crimes, or -14.6%. There were 44,236 grand larcenies reported in 2016, compared with 44,263 in 2015. This is a reduction of 27 crimes, -0.1%.
“2016 was the safest year ever in the history of New York City. We have been working hard at reducing crime to historic lows, when many said it could not be done. And we have reduced crime despite upticks in violence in many other cities across America,” said Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill. “Our Neighborhood Policing program has enabled us to fight crime, address the community’s concerns, and build trust. In 2016, we had laser like precision in tackling gangs, with more arrests just this morning. I am thankful to the men and women of this department who put on the uniform every day—and to those members of the public who join us in the collective responsibility we all share in keeping this great city safe.”
“2016 marks a record year in crime reduction, made possible by the greatest police department in the world and transformative crime-fighting strategies that have built trust between police and communities and enabled New Yorkers to take an active role in ensuring the safety of their neighborhoods.” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Three years ago, countless onlookers scoffed at the notion that New York City could reduce crime from already record lows. Yet we’ve done it, all while working toward a more just city by reducing arrests and curtailing the overuse of stop and frisk. I want to thank Police Commissioner O’Neill and the entire New York City Police Department for their tireless spirit and hard work to make New York the safest big city in America.”
There were 2,419 crimes reported in the Transit Bureau in 2016, compared with 2,507 in 2015. This is a reduction of 88 crimes, or -3.5%. There were 5,211 crimes reported in the Housing Bureau in 2016, compared with 5,088 crimes in 2015. This is an increase of 123 crimes, or +2.4%
Note: All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revisions, or change.
