NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The number of murders recorded in New York City last month was nearly double the number reported last September, according to new NYPD data, which also showed a record number of gun arrests.
There were 51 murders in the city in September compared to 29 in September 2019, the data shows.
The total number of murders for the first nine months of the year is 344 compared to 246 in the first nine months of 2019. That's an increase of 40%.
And it's the highest number of murders the city has seen since 2013, when 335 murders were recorded, according to the New York Post.
There were also 152 citywide shooting incidents in September this year, compared to 67 shooting incidents in September 2019, a 127% increase, data shows.
There has been a 91% spike in citywide shooting incidents through Sept. 30 compared to the same time last year.
However, the NYPD also reported that they'd made the highest number of gun arrests of any September since they started keeping records in 1994.
There were 607 gun arrests across the five boroughs this September compared to 307 in 2019, an increase of 98%.
Gun arrests are up 7% citywide year-to-date: 2,801 this year compared to 2,628 last year.
"NYPD officers have achieved this record level of enforcement despite the approximately 2,500 officer reduction in manpower—from attrition and no new academy classes—as well as a 59% cut to the uniformed overtime budget," the department said in its report.
"Despite the unparalleled challenges they face every day, our officers continue to engage with the community and zero in on the drivers of crime," Commissioner Dermot Shea said in a statement. "I thank the men and women of the NYPD who work relentlessly, day-in and day-out, to keep New Yorkers in every neighborhood safe. We will continue to address crime upticks and work in close partnership with the residents we are sworn to serve."
Key highlights from this month's crime statistics:
• Murder is up +40% (344 v. 246) for the first nine months of 2020 when compared to the first nine months of 2019.
• There were 152 citywide shooting incidents in September 2020, compared to 67 shooting incidents in September 2019, a +127% increase.
• Year-to-date, through September 30, there has been a +91% spike in citywide shooting incidents (1,163 v. 608).
• Burglary increased +38% (1,255 v.912) in September and is up +42% (11,252 v. 7,920) year-to-date through September 30.
• For the month of September, reported rape decreased 19% (139 v. 172). Rape continues to be underreported. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, please come forward. The NYPD Special Victims Division's 24-hour hotline is 212-267-RAPE (7273).
• Year-to-date, through September 27, citywide hate crimes declined -33% (206 v. 308)
