NYPD: Hate Crimes in NYC See 67% Spike; Majority are Driven by Anti-Semitism

Hate crimes in New York City are up a disturbing 67% this year, even as overall crime is down.

By: Carson McFee

Anti-Semitic incidents provided the majority of those hate crimes, according to NYPD officials.

“If you drill down on the anti-Semitic hate crimes that we are seeing, approximately 80% are the drawing of swastikas in some way, shape or fashion around New York City,” said Dermot Shea, the NYPD’s chief of detectives.

“There is no place for hate in New York City and the detectives of the Hate Crime Task Force are working diligently to eliminate these crimes and to bring perpetrators of hate to justice,” said a department spokesman.

According to NYPD numbers, year-to-date index crime is down by more than 1,900 complaints, or -6.7%, as April 2019 saw the lowest number of reported index crime of any April in the CompStat era. The city also achieved record CompStat era lows for the month of April in murder, robbery and burglary.

“New York City has seen a dramatic reduction in crime, and we continue to make history and set new records by facing the challenges together,” said Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill. “I want to thank the dedicated members of the NYPD who tackle violent crime with precision and are forging stronger bonds with the public – and everyone who plays a role in a safe city – with their problem solving and professionalism.”

“Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe in their home. While crime is at a historic low across the city, we are working to make this a reality in every zip code,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We are doubling down on our efforts to bring these communities and police together to find new ways to fight crime and make our City safer and fairer.”

Among the highlights from this month’s crime statistics:

– A -6.1% reduction in index crime in April 2019 (6,891) compared to April 2018 (7,337).

– Reductions in every major crime category April 2019 compared to April 2018.

– A -34.6% reduction in murder in April 2019 (17) compared to April 2018 (26). Overall, now year-to-date murder is +2, or +2.3%.

– Transit crime -4.3% in April 2019 (178) compared to April 2018 (186).

– A -16.1% reduction in rape in April 2019 (141) compared to April 2018 (168). Overall, now year-to-date rape is +10, or +1.8%. NYPD understands that rape continues to be underreported. If you have been a victim of sexual assault please come forward. The NYPD’s Special Victims Division 24-hour hotline is 212-267-RAPE (7273).