More cops will patrol Central Park to address spike in crime: NYPD
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NEW YORK (PIX11) — A significant uptick in crime in Central Park this year is forcing the NYPD to flood the famed greenspace with more officers, authorities said Tuesday.
There have been 18 robberies and 12 grand larcenies reported in the park so far this year, compared to just four robberies and eight grand larcenies during the same time in 2023, according to NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey.
The NYPD will deploy cops from the four precincts surrounding the park to increase foot patrols and surveillance in the area, officials said.
“In any given day, a parkgoer will see additional police officers inside the park. These officers are assigned on foot, they’re assigned mobile, to do perimeter checks around the park. We’re using all NYPD resources to address this,” Assistant Chief Ruel Stephenson said during a press briefing.
There have been five reported crimes in Central Park in the last couple of days. The suspects are targeting electronics, like iPhones and expensive headphones, Maddrey said.
On Monday, a tourist’s phone was snatched and thrown into Swan Lake in Central Park, a couple of days after another tourist’s camera equipment was swiped off a park bench, cops said. The incidents are believed to be a part of a larger crime spree, police said. A 42-year-old man was arrested in connection to the incidneet at Swan Lake, officials said.
Authorities have arrested Kevin Taylor, 35, for allegedly robbing and assaulting a 28-year-old woman in Central Park on Thursday, according to the NYPD. Taylor, a Bronx resident, allegedly punched the woman in her face and stole her wallet, police said. He was charged with robbery, assault and harassment. Taylor is a parolee with nine prior arrests, police said.
“He grabbed her by the arm and said essentially, I’m going to take sex; I’m going to take money and I’m going to take your phone,” Assistant Chief Jason Savino said.
There have been no other arrests.
Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the New York City area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.
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