For the month of May 2020, major index crime in New York City saw an overall -21.2% decrease (6,362 v. 8,075) when compared to the same period in 2019. Between May 01, 2020 and May 31, 2020, overall crime fell in each borough, within the transit system and across public housing. In that one-month period, there was a -29 % decrease in the number of robberies (776 v. 1,088); an -18% decrease in felony assaults (1,582 v. 1,939); and a -43% decrease in grand larcenies (2,043 v. 3,608).
At the same time, the city saw a +64% increase in shooting incidents (100 v. 61) for the month of May and a +79% increase in the number of murders (34 v. 19). The crime of auto theft increased by 68% (665 v. 397) in May and burglary increased by +34% (1,154 v. 861).
New York City has now experienced a -2.5% decline in overall crimes for the first five months of 2020 (34,773 v. 35,651), driven by decreases in the numbers of robberies, assaults and grand larcenies since the CoViD-19 outbreak in mid-March.
Though the department was hit hard by the pandemic, sick reports have begun to return to normal levels of approximately 3% of the 36,000-member uniformed force. The Department mourns the loss of the 43 members of service who have died due to coronavirus-related illness. As May came to a close, the NYPD shifted into another of its basic public service duties: Facilitating peaceful public demonstrations.
These are unprecedented times. Through it all, the men and women of the NYPD have worked relentlessly to ensure the safety of New Yorkers across all neighborhoods. The NYPD continues to gather timely intelligence, analyze crime trends and hone its crime prevention plans. The success of these ongoing efforts stands in large measure upon the trust NYPD officers work every day to earn from those they serve. It is a mission the NYPD strives to achieve on every job, on every shift.
“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.”
Summer All-Out: Once again, the NYPD summer All-Out initiative is in effect this year. It is a key crime-suppression strategy that has been successful in prior years. The initiative means that hundreds of uniformed officers will be fanning out across about ten neighborhoods that have experienced upticks in crime. By focusing precisely on select precincts and public housing complexes, the NYPD anticipates having a positive impact on driving down crime and gun violence and bringing to justice the few individuals responsible for victimizing New Yorkers. As always, the NYPD Neighborhood Coordination Officers will also be working in tandem with residents to build trust and help keep all New Yorkers safe.
Coronavirus Awareness: NYPD officers continue to remind New Yorkers about the importance of following the best public health guidelines during the CoViD-19 outbreak. The NYPD is working to support its government partners in maintaining common-sense health standards as the pandemic continues.
Key highlights from this month’s crime statistics:
- Murder is up +18.8% (139 v. 117) for the first five months of 2020 when compared to the first five months of 2019.
- There were 100 citywide shooting incidents in May 2020, compared to 61 shooting incidents in May 2019, a +64% increase. Year-to-date, through May 31, there is a +18.3% uptick in citywide shooting incidents (323 v. 273).
- Burglary increased +34% (1154 v. 861) in May and is up +31% (5,405 v. 4,126) year-to-date through May 31, 2019.
- For the month of May, rape decreased by -33.7% (108 v. 163). 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).
Statistics on Index Crimes
| May 2020 | May 2019 | +/- | % | |
| Murder | 34 | 19 | +15 | +78.9% |
| Rape | 108 | 163 | -55 | -33.7% |
| Robbery | 776 | 1088 | -312 | -28.7% |
| Assault | 1,582 | 1,939 | -357 | -18.4% |
| Burglary | 1,154 | 861 | +293 | +34.0% |
| Grand Larceny | 2,043 | 3,608 | -1,565 | -43.4% |
| G.L.A. | 665 | 397 | +268 | +67.5% |
| TOTAL | 6,362 | 8,075 | –1,713 | –21.2% |
Additional Statistics for May 2020
| May 2020 | May 2019 | +/- | % | |
| Transit | 85 | 203 | -118 | -58.1% |
| Housing | 381 | 446 | -65 | -14.6% |
| Shooting Incidents | 100 | 61 | +39 | +63.9% |
May Rape Breakdown
| CompStat Year | Count | Occurred Same Year | Occurred Previous Year | Occurred 2 Years Prior | Occurred 3 Years Prior | Occurred 4 Years Prior | Occurred 5+ Years Prior |
| 2020 | 108 | 91 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| 2019 | 163 | 120 | 11 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 22 |
| 2018 | 181 | 142 | 17 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 14 |
| 2017 | 121 | 102 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 6 |
| 2016 | 147 | 121 | 9 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 10 |
| 2015 | 120 | 105 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
Hate Crimes Statistics Summary from January 01, 2020 – May 31, 2020
These statistics represent the time period between January 01, 2020 – May 31, 2020 for the respective years of 2019 and 2020.
| 2020 | 2019 | +/- | % | |
| Asian | 2 | 3 | -1 | -33% |
| Black | 10 | 16 | -6 | -38% |
| Disability | 0 | 0 | 0 | *** |
| Ethnic | 0 | 0 | 0 | *** |
| Gender | 5 | 4 | 1 | 25% |
| Hispanic | 0 | 3 | -3 | -100% |
| Muslim | 2 | 6 | -4 | -67% |
| Other | 12 | 7 | 5 | 71% |
| Other-Corona | 19 | 0 | 19 | *** |
| Religion | 3 | 4 | -1 | -25% |
| Semitic | 55 | 106 | -51 | -48% |
| Sexual Orientation | 7 | 19 | -12 | -63% |
| White | 3 | 11 | -8 | -73% |
| TOTAL | 118 | 179 | –61 | –34% |
Note: All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revisions, or change.
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