NYPD Reports Rise in Overall Crime for First Quarter of 2020
Despite a drop in major index crimes in New York City for the month of April, the NYPD reported a rise in overall crimes for the first quarter of 2020, including domestic violence, hate crimes and commercial burglary.
The NYPD issued a press release on Monday that showed a decrease in crime in every borough within the transit system and across public housing between April 1 and April 30. Yet, New York has seen a 2.6% rise in total crimes for the first four months of the year—the month of April alone had increases in murder (+34.8%) and burglary (+31.6%) when compared to April 2019. Without a doubt, many of these cases have risen due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Throughout the coronavirus outbreak, domestic violence has remained one of the NYPD’s top priorities — and our efforts to combat domestic violence are all the more important during these difficult times of ensuring that people practice social distancing, when victims may be remaining alone inside homes with their abusers.”
Domestic violence crime is down in every category except murder, which is up +75% for the month and +4.8% for year-to-date through April 30. A possible indicator that victims of domestic abuse are unable to separate themselves from their situations, which in turn, leaves them little time to report their abusers.
“New York City has seen a reduction on overall domestic violence complaints in April,” stated the press release, “though our NYPD leaders remain concerned that these figures reflect underreporting by victims.”
“Throughout the coronavirus outbreak, domestic violence has remained one of the NYPD’s top priorities — and our efforts to combat domestic violence are all the more important during these difficult times of ensuring that people practice social distancing, when victims may be remaining alone inside homes with their abusers.”
As of May 3, detectives in the NYPD have investigated 14 hate crimes involving 15 victims in relation to COVID-19 and hate crime involving Asians/Asian Americans. The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force has made 11 arrests in relation to these incidents.
Hate crimes declined for the first four months of 2020 in comparison to 2019 but the NYPD does acknowledge an increased focus in discrimination of Asian and Asian Americans.
“The city is seeing an increase in hate and bias incidents targeting individuals of Asian descent in relation to coronavirus,” stated the press release. “The NYPD recognizes there may be hate crimes that are not reported and urges victims to come forward by calling 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.”
As of May 3, detectives in the NYPD have investigated 14 hate crimes involving 15 victims in relation to COVID-19 and hate crime involving Asians/Asian Americans. The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force has made 11 arrests in relation to these incidents.
Despite the overall downward trend in the numbers of arrests made, NYPD officers have made 44% more burglary arrests during the month of April compared to the same time period last year (520 v. 361).”
Another symptom of the strain COVID-19 has placed upon the city is an increase of burglaries, especially businesses that are commercial in nature.
“Burglaries, particularly of commercial establishments, have increased,” stated the NYPD. “These crimes are organized, occurring amid the ongoing emergency measures that have seen stores shuttered, and perpetrators are targeting those already vulnerable to businesses. Despite the overall downward trend in the numbers of arrests made, NYPD officers have made 44% more burglary arrests during the month of April compared to the same time period last year (520 v. 361).”
In the midst of the rise of criminal activity, Police Commissioner Dermot Shea wanted to make it clear that the NYPD has also been strained by the COVID-19 epidemic.
“With unparalleled commitment, strength and fairness that is at the core of our agency’s mission, the men and women of the NYPD are maintaining operational continuity and public safety during this ongoing COVID-19 outbreak,” said Police Commissioner Shea.
The NYPD experienced sick reports that hit a high that was shy of 20% of the 36,000-member force—7,100 which are officers—by April 9. The Department has seen 38 deaths due to coronavirus-related illness.
Feature photo credit to Jack Finnigan—@jackofallstreets—on Unsplashed.com