Crime Sees Decline On Upper East Side In First Half Of 2024: Data

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Crime on the Upper East Side dropped significantly in the first six months of 2024 compared to the same period last year, according to updated NYPD statistics.

Citywide, crime statistics for the six months ending on June 30, 2024, indicated a decrease in four of the seven major crimes compared to the same period in 2023.

Murder incidents declined by 17.8 percent, while burglary, grand larceny, and grand larceny auto also showed decreases. Conversely, according to the data, rape, robberies and felony assaults increased by 11.1 percent, 4.9 percent and 6 percent, respectively.

However, on the Upper East Side, this decline was present in all but one of the seven major crime categories.

Overall, major crimes were down by over nine percent in the 19th Precinct compared to the first six months of 2023, with at least two major felonies down by over 50 percent.

The most significant drops in major crime categories in the neighborhood were seen in burglary (-10.8 percent), felony assaults (-7.7 percent), auto theft (-55.4 percent) and murder (-100 percent).

Grand larceny also decreased compared to last year, dropping from 812 to 769 reports in the first half of 2024—a five percent decrease. Robbery saw a slight decrease as well, with a one percent drop reported.

While these numbers contributed to an overall drop in major crime, some areas still showed concerning figures.

The 19th Precinct saw a rise in reported sex crimes over the past year. In the first half of 2024, there has been an increase of more than 16 percent in reported rape cases. Additionally, "other sex crimes" increased by 22 percent—from 50 reports last year to 61 this year.

Transit crimes — not included in the major crime statistics — are down from 27 in 2023 to 26 this year — a three percent decrease.

Other smaller crimes also reflected an overall decline, such as a nine percent drop in petty theft and a 10 percent drop in retail theft.

“As we look back on the first half of this year, we can see the steady progress in the NYPD’s relentless fight against violence and disorder—an unwavering commitment that will continue through the summer months,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban.