The NYPD says the Bronx is leading the city with the largest decline in major crime.
“I’m not going to sit here and tell anybody we don’t have crime going on in the Bronx, but it’s going in the right direction,” said Chief Benjamin Gurley, the Bronx borough commander.
The NYPD recently released the following statistics:
- Major crime declined in the Bronx for the month of April and year-to-date with a 15.5% (2,218 vs. 2,626) and 10.7% (8,556 vs. 9,576) decrease, respectively.
- The Bronx had its fewest murders in recorded history for the month of April. Only four occurred.
- Shooting incidents are down 58.1% (13 vs. 31), the second fewest in recorded history for the borough and only two behind the record set in April 2018.
- Shooting victims declined 64.9% (13 vs. 37).
- Robbery fell 23.5% (316 vs. 413) with nearly 100 fewer incidents.
- The Bronx saw the greatest reduction in auto theft, falling 43.8% (222 vs. 395) with 173 fewer incidents.
“No matter the numbers, one is too many,” said Gurley. “We strive for zero, but we still have crimes occurring.”
The department said, last month, there were no shootings in the borough’s "youth zones."
“Our youth crime is actually down in the borough, but young people carrying guns is up,” said Gurley. “Our gun arrests for young people are up.”
Gurley said, overall, the Bronx has the most violent zones in the city.
“When we put cops on the dots, and we strategically look at it, it’s really a precision policing thing,” said Gurley.
Gurley told News 12 that they’re combating crime thanks to a multi-layered approach, which includes 2,600 cops in the Bronx, using drones and other technology.
“The Bronx has been in the news for violence, and we aim to tamper down that violence,” said Gurley.