A recent surge in robberies in the southern end of Central Park in New York City has been linked to a group of migrant boys or young men living in city-run shelters. The NYPD has identified up to 12 individuals responsible for around 10 robberies that have occurred in or near the park. The crimes involve groups of eight to 12 individuals working together, with most of the incidents taking place inside or near the park. This increase in crime has prompted the NYPD to increase patrols in the area, deploying an additional 40 police officers to Central Park each day from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The rise in robberies in the southern end of Central Park has been alarming, with crime rates significantly higher compared to the same period last year. Robberies are up by 200%, felony assaults by about 43%, and major crimes by 46% according to NYPD data. The NYPD Chief of Patrol, John Chell, has attributed the recent muggings to a pattern involving migrant groups, with the suspects typically working in groups of eight to 12 or in pairs of two. The police have labeled this trend as a “migrant robbery pattern” and are working to address the situation by increasing law enforcement presence in the area.
To combat the rise in crime, the NYPD is not only deploying additional officers but also planning to utilize drones to assist with surveillance in Central Park. The goal is to maintain safety in one of the most iconic locations in the world and send a message to potential criminals that law enforcement is actively monitoring the situation. It has been emphasized that criminal activity will not be tolerated in the park, and efforts will be made to bring down the crime rate and keep Central Park secure for residents and visitors.
As half of the suspects arrested in connection with robberies in the southern end of Central Park this year are migrants, concerns have been raised about the involvement of individuals from this demographic in criminal activities. An 11-year-old Venezuelan boy was arrested for using stolen credit cards in the park, and another 17-year-old suspect was apprehended after allegedly attacking a straphanger on a train in Queens. The suspects were found with a stolen phone near a migrant shelter in Midtown Manhattan. These incidents highlight the need for increased vigilance in addressing crime and ensuring public safety in the area.
Reports indicate that the number of robberies and felony assaults in Central Park has increased this year, signaling a troubling trend that requires immediate attention from law enforcement. With at least 30 robberies and 10 felony assaults reported so far this year, compared to fewer incidents during the same period in previous years, it is evident that additional measures are needed to address the situation. The NYPD’s efforts to deploy more officers and use drones for surveillance demonstrate a proactive approach to reducing criminal activity and maintaining a safe environment in Central Park.
Overall, the recent spike in robberies and violent crimes in the southern end of Central Park has prompted the NYPD to take swift action in response to the situation. By identifying a group of migrant boys or young men as responsible for a significant portion of the crimes, law enforcement officials are working to address the issue through increased patrols, surveillance, and arrests. The goal is to bring down crime rates, protect residents and visitors, and send a clear message that criminal behavior will not be tolerated in one of the city’s most iconic locations.
