NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Crime overall was down during May despite the mass protests happening across the city calling for justice in the death of George Floyd's death, officials announced Thursday. Many serious crimes, however, saw a jump.
The NYPD reported that overall crime dropped 21.2 percent compared to the same month in 2019 with decreases within the transit system, in all five boroughs, and in public housing.
Robberies dropped 29 percent along with a decline of 18 percent in felony assaults and a 43 percent decrease in grand larcenies.
There was a 64 percent rise in shootings reported and a 79 percent rise in murders.
Burglaries increased 34 percent and auto theft climbed 68 percent with a total of 665 incidents.
The city reported a 2.5 percent decline "in the numbers of robberies, assaults, and grand larcenies since the COVID-19 outbreak in mid-March."
"I am proud of our police officers who have met the challenges of these trying times with remarkable fortitude and fairness," said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea.
"Their continuing success in simultaneously fighting crime, reinforcing the best public health practices and facilitating peaceful protest reflects the values of the New York City Police Department and the high standards of our profession," he adds.
Shea is concerned after reports show murders are up double digits this year, concerned.
"We are trending in a very difficult direction in the shootings which is leading to homicides," Shea said.