Public Safety and Crime

After a wave of robberies revealed in Central Park, one of the most iconic and quiet areas of New York, many residents and visitors say they are more alert.

“If you sit down, be careful when you walk at night,” said Christian Cedeño, a resident of the area.

Manuel de Jesús, also working in the area:

“No, because with caution we must look at every corner, if there is no one to pass.” “I carry pepper spray,” he says.

A series of incidents, some involving minors, have prompted authorities to step up surveillance in Central Park.

NYPD Patrol Chief John Chell explained that they are increasing the police presence, through patrols, in the park and nearby streets, and with drones, for several weeks.

In total, ten recent robberies are being investigated, including two high-profile robberies on Tuesday, where several people were robbed and their belongings stolen.

“No, I don’t think they are going to do something because the other day they also tried to rob my boyfriend because of his chain and belt and he is not very smart, it must be it is something like that. “

Patrol Chief Chell described these incidents as part of a “wave of robberies related to migrants,” explained Violeta Castillo.

The most shocking case involves an 11-year-old boy, who was arrested while using stolen credit cards in one of these incidents.

Tommaso Rossellini, another resident of the area points out:

“For me it is difficult to feel the people who have the strength and the help and cannot help themselves, it is natural with some crime, this is the crime of young people.”

Crime in Central Park has increased significantly this year compared to the same period last year.

NYPD figures show robberies are up 200%, aggravated assaults by about 43%, and serious crimes by 46%.

Authorities ask the community to cooperate by providing any information that may be useful in ongoing investigations.

You can do that through the Crime Stoppers line at 1-888-57-PISTA.”

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