Assaults, Auto Thefts On The Rise In Harlem: NYPD Data

HARLEM, NY — New police data shows signs of a potentially worsening crime picture for much of Harlem, but one precinct holds a promising data point.

Crime rose in January compared to the same time last year across all of the NYPD police precincts — the 23rd, 28th, 30th and 32nd precincts — that cover the neighborhood.

The largest year-to-date increase was seen in the 28th Precinct, which covers central Harlem between Central Park North and West 127th Street.

Reported major felonies rose by 18.46 percent overall in January when compared to the same month in 2023, according to the NYPD data.

While there were no reported rapes this month compared to two last year, and robberies and burglaries remained flat, all other major felonies were on the rise.

The biggest statistical increase was seen in auto theft, with one additional instance reported over last year (50 percent). Other big gains were seen in grand larceny (33 percent) and felony assault (23 percent).

Compared to January 2022, major crimes rose overall by 5.48 percent.

In other parts of Harlem, crime still rose but at slightly less dramatic rates.

East Harlem, covered by the 23rd Precinct, saw an overall major crime increase over January 2023 of 7.61 percent.

While there were no murders — compared to two last January— and auto thefts fell dramatically — from nine reported incidents last year to only three this year — and burglary declined too by 30 percent, most others saw double-digit increases.

The biggest jump was seen in robberies (50 percent) followed by felony assault (32 percent) and grand larceny (12 percent).

Other precincts showed similar increases, with a 18 percent major crime increase in the 25th Precinct, which covers northern East Harlem, a 4.5 percent increase in the 30th Precinct, covering western Harlem and Hamilton Heights, and a 3.37 increase in the 32 Precinct, which covers north central Harlem.

But in the 32nd and 25th precincts, some positive news can be found in the comparison to January 2022.

Compared to two years ago, major reported crime in both of those precincts fell, which could indicate a turning of a years-long spike in reported crime.

In the 32nd Precinct, major crime was 10.68 percent lower this January than two years ago.

And in the 25th Precinct, that same number was 6.59 percent lower.

To check out more crime statistics, click here for the NYPD Precinct crime statistics web page.