Central Park Crime Rises In 2024 Despite Long-Term Safety Gains

CENTRAL PARK, NY – Crime in Central Park is making headlines once again, but while the latest data from the NYPD does show that reports of certain crimes have risen in 2024, the park remains much safer than it was years ago.

Year-to-date robbery incidents, for example, have increased by 200%, from 10 in 2023 to 30 in 2024.

Major crimes are up 46% in the park compared to 2023. Felony assault is also up – from 7 incidents to 10 – but misdemeanor assault and petit larceny are down significantly, about 22% and 19% respectively.

Two rapes have been reported in the park so far this year, according to NYPD data.

There have been no murders in the park in 2024, nor were there any last year.

Park Much Safer Than It Once Was

Longer term, robberies in the park are down 84.9% since 1990.

The most recent year for which full-year comparisons may be made is 2023. Data for 2001 and 2023 show that all major crimes indexed by the NYPD are down significantly. Robbery? Down nearly 38%. Felony assault? Down 10%, from 10 incidents to 9.

For those who’d like to take a look at the numbers for themselves, NYPD data for the Central Park Precinct is available here.

Are you concerned about safety in Central Park? Email [email protected].