The New York City Police Department says crime fell in February to the lowest level in the modern CompStat-era.
Overall crime was down nearly 10 percent compared to a year earlier. The number of shootings dropped by 33 percent, while rapes were down 21 percent and robberies fell by 13 percent. There were two more murders in February 2017 compared to 2016, representing an 11 percent increase.
“Our neighborhood policing continues to play a critical role in fighting crime, by strengthening relationships between our communities and the police who protect them. As always, I am extremely proud of the work by all members of this Department to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers,” Police Commissioner James O’Neill said.
Despite the overall crime reduction, hate crimes were up by 55 percent. Officials attribute it to an increase in anti-Semitic crimes.
“This is becoming more widespread and I’ve been very clear about an atmosphere of hate has been fostered in recent months in America and we have to stop it,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
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