Rise in Central Park Crimes Prompts Increased Police Patrols Amid Improving Weather

Central Park Crimes Spur Police Patrol Increase as Weather Improves
Central Park is experiencing a surge in robberies and assaults that has prompted an increase in NYPD patrols, as warmer weather encourages more people to use the city park. Four incidents occurred between Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon alone, although no arrests have been made so far in any of these attacks.
In one particularly disturbing incident last week, actor Michael Stuhlbarg was struck on the head with a rock while walking near E. 90th Street. The victim pursued his attacker until police officers apprehended him nearby. Another assault took place just hours later in another part of Central Park; this time, an unprovoked hammer attack left its female target injured but thankfully alive.
The NYPD is currently investigating a series of knife-point robberies near the park’s boundaries as well. Stuhlbarg was among two people who fell victim to these attacks earlier in April. The perpetrators, both described as male and between 16 and 25 years old, are still at large despite ongoing investigations by police officers.
The uptick in violent crime in Central Park comes just months after New York City announced its plans for cutting back on city policing following protests last year that focused national attention upon incidents of police brutality against Black Americans. However, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Dermot Shea have both expressed their commitment to keeping the public safe in light of these recent events.
As Central Park’s popularity continues to grow during warmer weather, it remains crucial for authorities to ensure that visitors can enjoy this iconic space without fearing for their safety. The NYPD has pledged increased patrols as a result; let us hope that the necessary resources are being deployed in an effective and efficient manner to address these alarmingly frequent incidents of violence.