UES Crime Ticks Up Slightly In Aug, Still Down Compared To 2022: NYPD

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY —There's good news, and bad news, in August crime data for the Upper East Side

While NYPD Police Commissioner Edward Caban touted citywide crime numbers showing big drops in crime over the summer, the Upper East Side saw a small upward bump in reported crime for the month of August while still showing signs of overall declining crime compared to last year.

Overall, reported major felonies increased by nearly 3 percent (2.79) in August over 2022 — a big swing from July's massive 18 percent drop when compared to the previous year.

Police data does not follow the Georgian calendar, but rather operates on a 28-day look-back, so while the data covers most of the month of August, it is not totally comprehensive.

While crimes like robbery and burglary actually fell at a great rate when compared to July's numbers — by 35 percent and 27 percent respectively — a slight uptick in assault, auto theft and grand larceny helped kick numbers up.

The largest reported crime increase in August was car thefts, which were up over 22 percent from last year, an increase from nine reported thefts to 11.

Felonies increased 18 percent, from 11 reported incidents in 2022 to 13 this year.

And grand larceny, with a 9 percent jump, saw 15 more reported incidents over 2022.

Year-to-date, major crimes are still lower on the Upper East Side when compared to last year by just over two percent, higher than the citywide average.

But the August data also revealed some impressive declines in what police call non-major crimes.

Transit crime saw a massive 83 percent decline, from six reported incidents in 2022 to only one in August.

And petit larceny, thefts under $1,000, dropped by 33.5 percent, a decline of 126 reported incidents over 2022.

Crime is still up compared to recent history. Data shows major felonies are still up by almost 45 percent over two years ago, and by almost 40 percent compared to 13 years ago.

Despite the recent increases since the pandemic, reported crime is still lower for the Upper East Side when compared to the late Giuliani administration. In 2022, reported crime was down by almost 30 percent compared to 2001 levels, and 46 percent lower than 1998.