NYPD increases patrols in Central Park
The NYPD deployed additional officers to Central Park on Wednesday to make a statement after 24 hours of violence in one of New York’s most famous landmarks.
NEW YORK – Following an increase in robberies, the New York Police Department has increased its presence in Central Park, deploying additional officers to help curb crime at one of New York City’s most famous landmarks.
On Wednesday, there were noticeably more officers patrolling the park on foot and by bicycle.
The increased security measures came after three robberies occurred within 24 hours.
“We will not tolerate crime in one of the most iconic places in the world,” said Tarik Sheppard, NYPD deputy commissioner of information.
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A newly established command center is coordinating the measures. Mounted police and other units are actively patrolling the area. However, the increased police presence has triggered mixed reactions among people in the park.
“There are a lot of police around… I wonder what’s going on here, but I don’t know if it makes me feel safer,” said one park visitor.
According to John Chell, chief of the NYPD, crime in Central Park has increased significantly this year, mainly due to robberies.
“There are no secrets here, crime in this park has increased this year. More specifically, robberies are commonplace here,” Chell said. “At this point, we are ready to call it out. This is a pattern of robberies by migrants.”
On Wednesday morning, a man in his 30s allegedly pushed an 82-year-old woman near the tennis courts, causing her minor injuries. The suspect fled the scene. On Tuesday evening, two 20-year-old men were robbed of a necklace and a vape pen after engaging in a conversation with two suspects near West 62nd Street and West Drive.
That same morning, three people, ages 15, 21 and 35, were robbed in front of the park entrance at the corner of 5th Avenue and 59th Street.
Three teenagers, aged 14, 16 and 17, were later arrested in connection with the incident, but one suspect remains at large.
NYPD statistics show that crime is up 46% compared to the same period last year. Aggravated assaults are up over 40% and robberies are up 200%.
How long the increased patrols will last and what effect they will have on crime rates remains to be seen. The NYPD is asking anyone who can identify suspects in recent robberies to contact police.
