Worrying rise in crime in New York’s Central Park

New York City police are facing a surge in crime using drones and advanced surveillance. Residents and tourists are hoping for a reclaimed space. (REUTERS/Amr Alfiky)REUTERS

Crimes in New York’s Central Park have seen an alarming rise in 2024, raising concerns among residents and tourists alike. Data from the New York Police Department (NYPD) show an increase in 222% in robberies Compared to the same period last year, 29 incidents have been recorded so far, exceeding the total for 2019. In addition, serious assaults have increased by 100%, from five to ten cases.

Robberies and assaults have been particularly noticeable, affecting the daily routine of many New Yorkers. “Frankly, I have never felt so unsafe in Central Park”, commented Kirsten Edwardsresidente del Upper East Side, a New York Post.

Edwards has changed his routine for walking his dog, waiting until later in the day to avoid dangerous encounters. According to residents in the area, the profile of offenders includes violent teenagers, out-of-control vagrants and lawless migrants who hang around the park.

The impact of crime has profoundly altered visitors’ sense of security. Alyson Cambridgean Upper West Side opera singer who has been running in the park for almost thirty yearsconfessed to New York Post who has had to avoid dark and empty paths. “I am always looking over my shoulder”, he added.

In one incident the August 1sta group of up to 20 personas surrounded and robbed Julian De Flandres, a 37-year-old software developer, who was sitting on a bench near Wollman Rink. In another case that occurred on July 8tha 21-year-old man was robbed while sitting on a bench in the West 59th Street and Center Drivewhen an unknown person snatched her phone and USD 80, and demanded that she enter her password in a banking app.

New York City residents link rising crime in Central Park to migrant shelters. (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly)REUTERS

Recent incidents leave no one indifferent. NYPD increased police presence in the park to counter rising crime, using innovative technologies such as drones and cameras. “The safety of all New Yorkers, including those who visit Central Parkis of the utmost importance to the men and women of the New York City Police Department,” a spokesperson told local media.

The increase in sexual crimes It has also been remarkable, with Two rapes reported this year compared to none during the same period last year. The impact of rising crime has been disruptive. According to John O’Donnellprofessor of John Jayand former Brooklyn and Queens district attorney, “If you’re the mayor, this is the kind of issue you should be on high alert for.”

Growing insecurity at the iconic park raises questions about possible factors behind recent crimes. Solutions remain unclear. (REUTERS/Mike Segar)REUTERS

Among the factors pointed out by the authorities, the increase in migrant shelters in the surrounding area as a possible cause of the increase in crime. The fear of insecurity affects not only locals but also visitors. Conor Wright, a tourist from Seattle, expressed his surprise at the increase in crime in Central Park, commenting: “I didn’t expect crime to happen here.”

While authorities search for solutions, residents are changing their habits and adopting improvised security measures to avoid falling victim to muggers, hoping that measures will soon be taken to reduce crime.