New York City experienced a continued reduction in index crime for October, continuing the downward trend of 2017. There were 197 fewer index crimes for the month, or -2.2%, and 11 fewer shooting incidents, or -13.1%, compared with October 2016. These reductions contributed to the 4,617 fewer overall citywide index crimes, or -5.4% year-to-date, compared with 2016.

Including eight victims from Tuesday’s terrorist attack on the West Side of Manhattan, there were 26 murders in October, four more or +18.2%, compared with October 2016. There were 147 rapes reported in October, compared with 126 in October 2016. This is an increase of 21 crimes, or +16.7%. There were 1,231 robberies reported in October 2017, compared with 1,366 in October 2016. This is a reduction of 135 crimes, or -9.9%. There were 1,712 felonious assaults reported in October 2017, compared with 1,732 in October 2016. This is a reduction of 20 crimes, or -1.2%. There were 1,138 burglaries reported in October 2017, compared with 1,145 in October 2016. This is a reduction of seven crimes, or -.6%. There were 3,829 grand larcenies reported in October 2017, compared with 3,897 in October 2016. This is a reduction of 68 crimes, or -1.7%. There were 597 grand larceny autos (GLA) reported in October 2017, compared with 589 in October 2016. This is an increase of eight crimes, or +1.4%.

“The City of New York is the safest big city in the United States, and that’s thanks to the professionalism, cooperation and bravery exhibited this week by first responders and New Yorkers alike,” said Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill. “One of the things we know, as we strive to make the City even safer, is that there will be challenges. It is our shared responsibility to meet them head-on. Whether that’s by reporting suspicious activity or having the courage to come forward as a crime victim or, as the NYPD did this week, by ending a threat and working with others to save lives. That is how we make this City safer and stronger—together.”

“On this week when the NYPD took extraordinary action in the face of terror, we learned that our city has just had yet another month of falling crime, said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “On behalf of 8.5 million New Yorkers, who have such pride in our police force, I want to thank the brave men and women of the NYPD. We see them on duty and we know we are protected by the very best.”

There were 236 crimes reported in the Transit Bureau in October 2017, compared with 224 in October 2016. This is an increase of 12 crimes, or +5.4%. There were 382 crimes reported in the Housing Bureau in October 2017, compared with 423 in October 2016. This is a reduction of 41 crimes, or -9.7%.

Note: All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revisions, or change.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)