A surge in robberies in the southern region of New York City's Central Park has been attributed to young migrants, some as young as 11, residing in city-run shelters.
This has necessitated an increase in NYPD patrols in the renowned park.
According to Fox News, the NYPD has associated approximately 10 robberies occurring within or near the southern end of the park with a group of up to 12 migrant boys or young men. This revelation was made during a press conference on Wednesday, held at the green space where law enforcement announced the deployment of dozens of police officers to the tourist hotspot in response to the alarming increase in crime.
NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell, addressing reporters at the park's Seventh Avenue and West 59th Street entrance, stated, "At this point in time, were ready to call it, this is a migrant robbery pattern." He added, "We think theyre responsible for most of them if not all of them."
The southern end of Central Park, stretching from Columbus Circle on the southwest to The Plaza Hotel and Grand Army Plaza on the southeast, is a bustling area frequented by tourists. However, the park has seen a significant rise in crime this year compared to the same period last year, with robberies increasing by 200%, felony assaults by about 43%, and major crimes by 46%, as per NYPD data.
Chell attributed the recent muggings to a pattern involving migrant groups, stating that they operate in groups of eight and 12, as well as pairs. He reiterated, "There is roughly 10 robberies that fit this pattern. Most of these occurred inside or near the park. We think they are responsible for most, if not all, of them."
In response to the escalating crime, the NYPD is deploying an additional 40 police officers to patrol Central Park daily from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Tarik Sheppard announced that drones would also be deployed to assist police, starting at the end of the month.
Sheppard declared, "Were not going to tolerate crimes at one of the most iconic locations in the world if youre a bad guy you should be looking over our shoulder that you know that were not playing games." He added, "We are going to get these crimes down and keep Central Park safe."
ABC reports that half of the suspects arrested for robberies in the southern end of Central Park this year are migrants. This news follows the arrest of an 11-year-old Venezuelan boy on Tuesday, who Chell says was caught on camera using credit cards stolen from the southern end of Central Park.
The boy and a 17-year-old were both apprehended hours after they allegedly attacked a passenger on a Manhattan-bound 7 train in Queens around 8:40 p.m., as reported by the New York Post. The suspects, who were arrested near the Roosevelt Hotel migrant shelter in Midtown Manhattan, were found in possession of a stolen phone, according to sources cited by the outlet. The victim identified the 11-year-old as the "primary aggressor."
ABC7 reports that at least 30 robberies have been reported in the park this year, compared to just 10 during the same period in 2023. There have also been 10 felony assaults this year compared to just seven last year. This surge in crime underscores the need for increased vigilance and law enforcement presence to ensure the safety of Central Park visitors.
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