Robberies up 200% in Central Park compared to 2023: NYPD

CENTRAL PARK, Manhattan (PIX11) – Mayor Eric Adams called for more security in Central Park as robberies in the area significantly increased compared to last year.

Robberies are up 200% in Central Park from last year, from 10 to 30 robberies, according to the NYPD. Two 20-year-old men had their chain snatched and vape stolen while sitting on a park bench near 62nd Street and West Drive Tuesday night, per police.

Three people were also robbed early Tuesday morning near the park. Four juveniles were accused of simulating a gun and stealing AirPods and a chain from the victims just off 5th Avenue around 1 a.m., according to authorities.

Three of the four suspects were taken into custody, per police. Two of the suspects are living in a homeless shelter, according to authorities.

Other crimes that occurred in Central Park this year include a man who was accused of trying to sexually assault a sunbather in Great Hill on June 24. Jermaine Longmire, 43, was later arrested and charged with attempted rape and sexual abuse in connection to the incident, according to authorities.

Adams said the city needs to do better addressing robberies and sex crimes so people feel safe in a park known for making global headlines.

“There’s a combination of public safety tactics that we’re going to be using in that area,” he said on Tuesday.

Drones would be remotely operated in the park from NYPD headquarters, according to city officials. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard told PIX11 News back in June that the department was possibly considering installing solar-powered cameras in remote areas of the park.

The NYPD announced that it was increasing foot patrols in the park in an effort to deter crime back in April. The announcement followed a crime spree at the park, where several electronics were stolen and at least two people were attacked within the span of a few days.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org , downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018 . She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here .

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