Crime Surge in Central Park

New York City’s Central Park is experiencing a troubling increase in crime, with reports indicating a significant rise in robberies and assaults. According to data from the New York Police Department (NYPD), there has been a staggering 222% increase in robberies in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with 29 incidents already reported this year, surpassing the total for all of 2019. Additionally, felonious assaults have doubled, contributing to a growing sense of unease among park-goers. Residents like Kirsten Edwards express their fears, noting that they now avoid visiting the park during early hours due to encounters with individuals exhibiting mental health issues. Edwards stated, “Frankly, I’ve never felt this unsafe in Central Park,” highlighting the impact of these incidents on the community's sense of security. The New York Post has also reported on specific violent incidents, including an attempted rape case involving a suspect named Jermaine Longmire. The rise in crime is not limited to Central Park; the city has seen approximately 22,000 shoplifting incidents since the start of 2024. Recent subway violence has also raised alarms, with reports of women being shoved onto train tracks, resulting in severe injuries. In one case, a man was arrested for pushing his girlfriend onto the tracks during an argument, leading to her losing her feet. In a separate incident, a female NYPD officer was injured while attempting to break up a dispute involving a repeat offender. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges New York City faces in ensuring public safety amidst rising crime rates.