UWS Crime Drops Nearly 9 Percent Over '22: NYPD Data

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Crime is on the decline in the Upper West Side.

In the 20th and 24th precincts that comprise the Upper West Side, crooks and killers are 8.5 percent less busy on average, according to NYPD statistics.

The latest metrics also reflect the citywide trend of slightly falling crime.

In New York City, major crimes fell .2 percent compared to the same month last year. In the Upper West Side, 1,813 major crimes reported on the Upper West Side this time last year fell to 1,659 as of September 2023.

Major crimes that plummeted in the area include robbery (24 percent decrease) and burglary (15.9 percent decrease). Transit crimes also decreased (18.75 percent), as well as petit larceny, or thefts under $1,000 (12.4 percent).

But not every major felony saw a big drop in September.

Other crimes, like felony assault (.93 percent), rape (6.3 percent) and murder (500 percent), saw boosts in September. One murder was reported in 2022 this time last year, compared with six to date.

Shootings also increased 40 percent, from five in 2022 to seven in 2023 thus far.

On the whole, the continued decline in crime statistics could be a promising sign during a time when crime is still up compared to recent history.

Data shows major felonies are still up by 32 percent over two years ago, and by 13.8 percent compared to 10 years ago.

Despite the recent increases since the pandemic, reported crime is still lower for the Upper West Side when compared to the late Giuliani administration. In 2022, reported crime was down by more than 22 percent compared to 2001 levels.