What you should know
- The New York Police Department released the city’s crime statistics for the month of March and announced an overall increase in the crime rate, but a drop in the homicide rate.
- The overall crime rate increased 36.5% in March 2022, compared to the same period a year ago (9,873 cases vs. 7,232).
- Some of the updated statistics also include a 16.2% increase in shootings compared to the same period last year, but a 15.8% annual decrease in homicides.
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NEW YORK — The New York Police Department released the city’s crime statistics for the month of March, announcing an overall crime rate increase of 36.5% compared to the same period last year, but a drop in the murder rate.
The overall crime rate increased 36.5% in March 2022, compared to the same period a year ago (9,873 cases vs. 7,232). This increase, according to the NYPD, is driven by a 59.4% increase in auto grand theft (1,044 vs. 655), a 48.4% increase in robbery (1,267 vs. 854), and a 40.5% increase in grand theft ( 4,078 vs. 2,902).
Some of the updated statistics also include a 16.2% increase in shootings compared to the same period last year, but a 15.8% annual decrease in homicides. Overall, hate crimes are up 16% compared to the same period last year.
Additionally, according to police data, robberies across the city are up 40% (1,326 vs. 947) compared to the same period last year.
The New York Police Department says the first three months of 2022 have been defined by “successful eliminations of violent subjects and the seizure of illegal weapons, including traditional weapons and emerging firearms known as “ghost guns” that can be printed in 3-D at home.” The police department also began recruiting more than 400 officers for the new NYPD Neighborhood Safety Teams in January 2022.
According to the city, since their deployment on March 14, the first 218 officers assigned to these teams have made a total of 121 arrests, including 25 for weapons possession.
At a news conference Wednesday outlining citywide crime statistics, NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said certain initiatives have been successful.
“We’re arresting record numbers of people for shootings and homicides and clearing up more cases, helping victims get justice,” Sewell said. “So far this year, the NYPD has made 335 arrests related to non-fatal murders and shootings, considerably more than the 257 such arrests made last year. That’s a level of success that has allowed detectives achieve an overall kill kill rate of over 89%.”
Sewell emphasized that the murder resolution rate is the highest of any year-end resolution rate in the modern era of compstat.
“Also, the 4,000+ felony arrests by the NYPD…as of March of this year, that’s a 21-year high,” he said.
Despite the high-profile crimes taking place in the city’s subway system, Sewell notes that major crimes in the transit system are actually below pre-COVID-19 levels. This revelation comes after the start of an already ongoing public safety initiative by the Adams administration for the city’s subway system, which has been plagued by crime and aggressive behavior in recent months.
The NYPD is on the hunt for the shooter.
Also in March, the NYPD announced a citywide initiative aimed at addressing the rise in quality-of-life crime that is often a precursor to violence. The initiative is a direct response to the safety concerns of New Yorkers.
“Today’s NYPD officers are expanding their focus by studying crime trends and tracking community complaints, such as those sent to 311, that shed deeper insights into crime. genesis of crime,” said Michael LiPetri, chief of crime control strategies. “Proactive engagement with criminals, relentless investigations and monitoring, and rapid deployment are proven methods to reduce crime and disorder on the streets, in the subways, or in public housing.”
Even as statistics show that murders are down, New Yorkers are still angered by the killings of innocent bystanders, including the recent death of a 61-year-old woman who was walking down a Fordham Heights street when she unexpectedly found herself in the middle of crossfire between two groups on his way home from work. Juana Esperanza Soriano De-Perdomo died after being hit by a bullet in her back.
“You have just killed a grandmother, a mother. She is my mother,” one of Juana’s sons told reporters.
The widowed grandmother had moved to the area because she thought it would be safer.
The Big Apple continues to experience a spike in crime.
Last week, a 12-year-old boy died after being shot while eating in a car with family members. The murder of both the 12-year-old boy and the 61-year-old grandmother has given rise to many calls for change.
“My mother was a beautiful person,” Erick Perdomo, another son of Juana, told reporters through tears. “She was receiving blessings upon blessings these past few months until she just had it all taken away…for no reason.”
Earlier this week, Sewell spoke about the killings of innocent bystanders, saying it is completely unacceptable that New Yorkers have to accept this type of violence simply because we live in the city.
“I will tell you unequivocally that our police officers and detectives are fully engaged,” Sewell continued. “They are answering 911 calls…and complaints. They are helping New Yorkers day and night, and they are fighting crime. Our commitment is clear. The NYPD will use every available resource and opportunity to secure this city. While there is no question that we face challenges…the NYPD remains steadfast in its vision, plan and commitment to the residents, businesses and visitors of this city.”
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