New Yorkers are growing increasingly worried about the surge in crime within Central Park, prompting them to alter their daily routines in order to avoid becoming victims. The police have responded to these concerns by promising to increase patrols in the area.
Residents have expressed their apprehension, highlighting a series of high-profile crimes that have occurred in the park, including cellphone thefts, assaults, and gropings. A young mother, who resides just a couple of blocks away from the park’s north end, lamented the change in her perception of safety. She used to frequent the park with her son when he was younger, but now feels it is no longer secure enough for them.
According to the NYPD, there have been 18 reported robberies in Central Park so far this year, compared to only four during the same period in 2023. Additionally, there have been 12 grand larcenies, primarily driven by snatch-and-run thefts, compared to eight in the previous year. The recent incidents have further heightened concerns, with three crimes occurring within a span of 27 hours. One of these incidents involved a woman being assaulted near 97th Street on the West Side. The assailant, identified as 35-year-old Kevin Taylor from the Bronx, was apprehended and charged with robbery, assault, and harassment. At the time of the attack, Taylor was on parole for a previous first-degree assault conviction, having served four years in state prison.
During a news conference addressing park safety, NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey B. Maddrey stated that the robberies primarily targeted electronic devices such as iPhones and expensive headphones. Assistant Chief Wallace Stephenson assured the public that the NYPD had significantly increased patrols in Central Park and installed additional security cameras to combat the rise in crime.
New Yorkers have acknowledged the increased police presence in the park, but remain cautious. Some have altered their routines, such as changing the direction of their walks or jogging during daylight hours. Others, like George, an elderly man who walks his shih tzu dog, Reńe, have opted to avoid early morning walks due to concerns that older individuals may be targeted by thieves.
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What measures do you think should be taken to address the surge in crime within Central Park, and how can individuals feel safer while still enjoying the park?