Quarantine and Protest Effect: New York City - Homicide and Burglary Surge

Law enforcement officials say that they have not seen a worse situation than now in New York for seven years. The increase in the number of murders they associate with banditry and drug trafficking. Theft of cars is explained by the fact that their owners are now traveling less in connection with the pandemic. This publication writes CNN.

Murders and shootings

Over the past month in New York there has been a surge in crimes related to murders, burglaries and car thefts, compared with the same period last year. At the same time, the number of crimes related to rape, robbery and major theft has decreased. This is evidenced by statistics from the New York Police Department.

So, in the last 28 days, 38 kills - twice as much as in the same period last year, according to police statistics as of June 14. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 159 murders, up 25% from last year.

This year, the number of murders corresponds to the total number of murders in New York five years ago and is much lower than in previous decades.

Quantity shooting incidents in 2020, it is also growing: today 394 incidents are registered, which is 24% more compared to 317 shooting incidents that have taken place at the moment last year.

“I haven't seen anything so bad for a long time,” said one law enforcement official, commenting on the data on the surge in violence. "This is the worst thing I've seen in six or seven years."

The increase in the number of murders is associated with banditry and drug trafficking; drug dealers are fighting for territory, another law enforcement official said.

Crime statistics were released this week as the New York criminal justice system has adapted to three global changes brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the effects of state bail system reform, and the massive protests against police brutality and racism triggered by the murder of George Floyd .

In addition, New York Police Commissioner Dermot Shea announced on June 15 the dismantling of the civilian crime department; 600 officers will be transferred to other posts.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, massive unemployment also hit the US states. As tax revenues have declined, this is likely to result in layoffs and cuts in spending in the New York budget. Combined with calls by protesters to “disband the police,” New York City’s police budget could be cut significantly next year.

Last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio said he plans to transfer some of the funding from the New York police to youth and social services.

A group of city councilors have proposed a $ 1 billion cut from the nearly $ 6 billion budget for New York police. A spokesman for the mayor says de Blasio "does not believe that a $ 1 billion cut is a way of maintaining security."

On the subject: Technology will replace them: in New York, the civilian police department will be disbanded

On Tuesday, June 16, de Blasio announced a new policy requiring all video recordings of incidents recorded with body cameras to be published within 30 days if the actions of the cops lead to bodily harm to the detainee or his death.

Hacking and car theft

Due to prolonged quarantine and riots, accompanied by looting, the windows of many New York stores remain closed. The pandemic forced many people to leave the city. Meanwhile, police have announced an increase in the number of burglaries and car thefts.

Over the past month, the number burglary, which amounted to 1691 cases compared to 759 cases a year earlier. Cases lootingthat took place during the demonstrations at the beginning of the month are included in the number of burglaries. During the year, burglary increased by 47% compared to last year, from 4480 to 6595.

Quantity car thefts also increased by more than 60%: 3078 incidents occurred this year, compared to 1893 last year. Criminals take advantage of the fact that now many Americans travel less, and their cars are idle on driveways or in garages.

Violence and Robbery

At the same time, compared with last month and the same period last year, the number of criminal cases rape decreased by 33%, cases of robbery - by 23%, and cases about large theft - 44%, according to the New York police.

Burglary is illegal entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime, major theft is illegal theft of valuables, and robbery is illegal theft with the use of force or the threat of force, the source explained.

In general, the number of arrests this year decreased by 32% compared to last year.