NYPD Announces Citywide Crime Statistics for February 2023

 

Major Crimes in the Subway System Have Declined More than 19% This Year

For the month of February 2023, overall index crime compared to February 2022 declined by 5.6% (8,785 v. 9,304) – driving a 0.4% (18,909 v. 18,976) reduction in overall index crime year-to-date compared to 2022. This reflects the NYPD’s ongoing work to ensure the safety and security of all New Yorkers, and to combat crime and violence in every neighborhood. February 2023 also saw the number of overall shooting incidents and murders in New York City both continue their week-over-week and month-over-month declines. Additionally, the number of hate crimes in New York City declined by 69% (27 v. 86) in February 2023 compared to the same period a year ago.

In the city’s subway system, major crimes fell by 9.1% (169 v. 186) in February 2023 compared to the same period last year, representing the second consecutive month of crime declines in the subway system. Consequently, transit index crimes are down 19.4% (315 v. 391) so far this year, with 76 fewer index crimes compared to the same period last year. This trend of safer subways, which has held steady since the institution of additional deployments in October 2022, reflects the city and state’s sustained investment in mass-transit security – and is a byproduct of 43.3% (200,281 v. 139,666) more station inspections by NYPD officers through the first two months of 2023 compared to the start of 2022.

Regarding the citywide decreases in overall index crime for February 2023, compared to February 2022, they were experienced in six of the NYPD’s eight patrol boroughs. Notably, the NYPD has driven a 10.5% (1,155 v. 1,290) decrease in citywide robberies in February 2023. More specifically, there have been significant decreases in robberies in the transit and housing bureaus and in more than half of the city’s police precincts: Robbery was down in 42 of 77 precincts, including fourteen in Manhattan and eight in the Bronx. Robbery levels remained unchanged in an additional seven precincts around the city in February 2023.

Citywide shooting incidents decreased in February by 14.7% (64 v. 75) – further extending the double-digit declines of 2022 – driven by steep reductions in the Bronx, Queens, and Northern Manhattan. Similarly, the number of gun violence victims across the city decreased by 2.4% (82 v. 84) compared to the same period last year, while murders in February decreased by 27.8% (26 v. 36). The women and men of the NYPD have seized 1,125 illegal firearms from the city’s streets so far this year, a 1.3% increase over the 1,111 illegal firearms seized through February 2022.

In Housing, the NYPD’s intelligence-based crime reduction strategies and augmented police coverage has helped to drive a 5.2% (435 v. 459) decrease in major crimes for February 2023 compared to February 2022, with a 31% (9 v. 13) decrease in shootings in all public housing areas for the month of February. Robberies in all city housing areas fell by 11.8% (75 v. 85) in the last month.

On enforcement, the number of arrests for index crimes in New York City in February is up 8.9% (3,811 v. 3,498) when compared to the February prior, a month-to-month benchmark unsurpassed since 2000 – nearly a quarter-century ago. Arrests for these most serious offenses have risen in each of the city’s five boroughs for both the month of February and for the calendar year, reflecting the NYPD’s adherence to precision policing.

“While it is early in the year, the crime statistics released today are encouraging as we saw significant reductions in major crimes across our streets, subways, and public housing developments in the month of February,” said Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “The NYPD continues to improve off of our accomplishments in 2022, and I am proud of our members who continue to address crime wherever and whenever it occurs. We can never lose focus of our mission: fight crime, keep people safe, and work in partnership with the community. Our success stems from our officers and the people we serve working alongside one another to create a safer city for all. There is much more work to do, and we will continue to step forward together.”

*All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revision, or change.*

Index Crime Statistics: February 2023

	February 2023	February 2022	+/-	%
Murder	26	36	-10	-27.8%
Rape	109	140	-31	-22.1%
Robbery	1155	1290	-135	-10.5%
Fel. Assault	1808	1725	83	4.8%
Burglary	1040	1224	-184	-15.0%
Grand  Larceny	3539	3815	-276	-7.2%
Grand Larceny Auto	1108	1074	34	3.2%
TOTAL	8785	9304	-519	-5.6%

Additional Statistics For February 2023

	February 2023	February 2022	+/-	%
Transit	169	186	-17	-9.1%
Housing	435	459	-24	-5.2%
Citywide Shooting  Incidents	64	75	-11	-14.7%

 

Rape Incident Reporting Statistics: February 2023

(Reports filed from February 1 – February 28 in years indicated)    

Year	Total  Incidents  Reported	Incident  Occurred  Same Year	Incident  Occurred  Previous  Year	Incident  Occurred  2 Years  Prior	Incident  Occurred  3 Years  Prior	Incident  Occurred  4 Years  Prior	Incident  Occurred  5+ Years  Prior
2023	109	74	16	6	4	4	5
2022	140	86	35	6	3	2	8
2021	99	57	17	6	2	2	15
2020	130	84	30	4	4	0	8
2019	133	86	26	6	3	3	9
2018	122	72	21	6	3	3	17

Rape continues to be underreported. If you are a victim of sexual assault, please come forward. The 24-hour NYPD Special Victims Division hotline is: 212-267-RAPE (7273). 

Hate Crimes Statistics Summary for February 2023

(Representing February 1st – February 28th years indicated)   

Motivation	2022	2021	Diff	% Change
Asian	1	13	-12	-92%
Black	1	11	-10	-91%
Disability	0	0	0	0%
Ethnic	3	1	2	200%
Gender	1	3	-2	-67%
Hispanic	2	0	2	***
Jewish	11	46	-35	-75%
Muslim	0	3	-3	***
Religion	1	3	-2	-67%
Sexual Orientation	6	5	1	-20%
White	1	1	0	0%
TOTAL	27	86	-59	-69%

Note: Statistics above are subject to change upon investigation, as active possible bias cases may be reclassified to non-bias cases and removed from counted data.                               

MAYOR ADAMS HOLDS FIRST CATALYST DINNER OF ‘BREAKING BREAD, BUILDING BONDS’ INITIATIVE, PREPARES MORE THAN 150 NEW YORKERS TO HOST DINNERS IN FUTURE

 

Taking Place at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Event Trained More Than 150 New Yorkers on Hosting Dinners as Part of Mayoral Initiative

 

B4 Aims to Organize 1,000 Meals with Diverse Group of New Yorkers Across City to Combat Hate and Foster Mutual Understanding

New York City Mayor Eric Adams yesterday was joined by administration officials and members of The People’s Supper to host an inaugural catalyst dinner for his ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ (B4) initiative. Hosted at the iconic Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the catalyst dinner trained more than 150 hosts — comprised of everyday New Yorkers from all walks of life — on how to host their own dinners, which aim to convene diverse groups of New Yorkers and have them engage in conversations that promote mutual understanding and combat the rising tide of hate.

 

“Through our ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ initiative, we are doing something revolutionary: We are sitting down and talking with each other through the communal act of sharing a meal,” said Mayor Adams. “Our administration is engaging with every community across the city to host and attend dinners so we can break down silos, foster mutual understanding, and eradicate the scourge of hate. At a time when we are seeing increasing hate crimes against our Jewish, AAPI, and LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters, this initiative will empower New Yorkers to recognize our common humanity and celebrate our diversity.”

Mayor Adams hosts a catalyst dinner for his ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ initiative with more than 150 hosts. Credit: NYC Mayor’s Office

“Combatting hate starts with building bonds through the simple act of sitting down to a meal with your neighbors,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “By hosting these catalyst dinners, we are equipping everyday New Yorkers with the tools to become ambassadors of peace for their communities.”

 

“Last night’s catalyst dinner is building a movement of New Yorkers committed to fighting hate by embracing and celebrating the immense diversity of New York City,” said Mayor’s Office to Prevent Hate Crimes Executive Director Hassan Naveed. “These participants are committed to bringing the Breaking Bread, Building Bonds initiative to their neighborhoods and communities, and learn from each other and breakdown silos. I am confident that we will reach the goal of 1,000 dinners citywide, so we can continue to root out hate wherever it rears its ugly head.”

 

“New York City’s strength is its diversity. The ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ initiative seeks to celebrate our differences while highlighting all that we share in common,” said Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit Commissioner Fred Kreizman. “The Community Affairs Unit is grateful for its partnership with its sibling agencies and external organizations like The People’s Supper as we strive to foster stronger community ties across our city. We will stamp out hate together.”

 

“No matter where you come from — whether you’ve lived in this city for generations or migrated from somewhere else; no matter how you choose to build a family, the people in this City are grounded in our common identity as New Yorkers,” said New York City Commission on Human Rights Chair and Commissioner Anabel Palma. “I am so grateful to be a part of Breaking Bread, Building Bonds and look forward to the meaningful connections that will emerge. Our city is stronger when we are tethered by our commonalities rather than alienated by our differences.”

 

“‘Breaking Bread Building Bonds’ is an opportunity for New Yorkers of diverse faiths and ethnic groups to gather, engage in conversations, and better understand each other, which seeks to bring us closer in our city,” said Office of Faith Based and Community Partnerships Executive Director Pastor Gil Monrose. “Meals have traditionally been a gathering place for people of different cultures and world views to understand each other further and create a healthy community. The Office of Faith Based and Community Partnerships will continue encouraging communities to build meaningful, healthy relationships across the boroughs through ‘Breaking Bread Building Bond.’”

 

The B4 initiative launched in January of this year and aims to empower everyday New Yorkers to become community ambassadors, hosting dinners that break down silos between communities. Organized in partnership with The People’s Supper, UJA-Federation of New York, and several community-based organizations, the initiative aims to organize 1,000 meals of 10-12 diverse New Yorkers. Working with the Mayor’s Office to Prevent Hate Crimes, alongside the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, and the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnership, The People’s Supper coordinates large-scale trainings such as catalyst dinners, provides support and coaching to dinner hosts, develops a toolkit and resource guide, and assists with matching participants to hosts.

 

In January 2020, then-Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries announced the initial version of the ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ initiative, following a significant rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes. The inaugural dinner of the initiative was held later that month in Jackson Heights, and took place during Peace Week, which featured a series of events throughout the city dedicated to promoting peace and unity across cultures. The initiative was put on hold due to the disruption of in-person gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wave Hill Events March 16-March 23

 

Explore the diverse group of plants called succulents on Succulent Sunday, March 19. It’s a day of activities for all ages and interests. From a cacti-inspired Family Art Project to Sketching Succulents, there's art-making for everyone. You can learn how to repot succulents with a demonstration from an expert gardener and get inspired in the kitchen with a cooking demo. Learn more by visiting our website or checking the attached press release!

Succulent Sunday events take place in Wave Hill House. The House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The building is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator. 

 

Public Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk 

Sun, March 19, 2023, 2–2:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds  

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels. 

Registration is not required for this drop-in event. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. Not intended for groups; groups should sign-up for Private Garden Tours. 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251.   

Garden Highlights Walks follow a variety of routes along mixed-material pathways and varying elevations. Accessible routes are available as requested; please indicate your need to Wave Hill staff at the Greeter Desk in the Perkins Visitor Center.   

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday.

 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.

Attorney General James Leads Coalition to Support New Mexico’s Actions to Safeguard Abortion Access

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of eight attorneys general released the following joint statement in support of New Mexico’s efforts to protect access to abortion care in all localities within its borders:

“We applaud the State of New Mexico for taking swift action to push back against localities attempting to cut off access to abortion. Since the reversal of Roe v. Wade, New Mexico has become a safe haven for people from neighboring states that have banned or restricted abortion. Localities trying to independently ban abortion are jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of millions.

As states that recognize the fundamental right to reproductive health care, we support New Mexico’s efforts to safeguard abortion access in every community and locality within its borders. It is critical that New Mexico continue to ensure abortion is protected across the state so it can remain a safe haven for all those in need of care.”

Abortion is legal in New Mexico, however, several localities have tried to independently ban or restrict access to abortion care. Last month, New Mexico filed a lawsuit against four localities within the state for issuing ordinances restricting abortion. New Mexico’s lawsuit asks the court to nullify these ordinances and rule that abortion is protected under the state’s constitution.

Joining Attorney General James in issuing this statement are the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Vermont.

Attorney General James has been a national leader in protecting access to reproductive health care. In February, Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general sent a letter to CVS and Walgreens reassuring the companies that dispensing medication abortion at their pharmacies is legal after a group of anti-abortion states wrote a letter to the companies warning of legal repercussions. Attorney General James also led a multistate coalition to defend and protect access to medication abortion in a court challenge that seeks to revoke FDA’s approval of mifepristone. Following the Supreme Court’s decision to end Roe v. Wade, Attorney General James launched a pro bono legal hotline to provide legal support to patients and healthcare providers nationwide. Attorney General James has also supported state legislation to provide funds to abortion providers in New York and called for an amendment to the state constitution to ensure the right to an abortion. Attorney General James has helped lead a coalition of attorneys general to defend abortion access in Idaho, Texas, Arizona, Indiana, and Mississippi.