In a recent government meeting, officials presented a comprehensive overview of crime statistics for August 2024, revealing a significant decline in both violent and property crimes compared to the five-year average. Part 1 crime rates were reported to be approximately 19% lower than the five-year average for the month, with year-to-date figures showing a 21% decrease.

Specifically, part 1 violent crimes fell by 5.6% in August, with a year-to-date reduction of 12%. The report noted 13 aggravated assaults or batteries, alongside two reported rapes and one robbery, with no homicides recorded. The single robbery incident matched the five-year average, while year-to-date robbery statistics indicated a remarkable 51% decrease.

Property crimes also showed a positive trend, with a 21% drop in August compared to the five-year average, and a 23% decline year-to-date. The breakdown included five burglaries, 15 motor vehicle larcenies, and 10 auto thefts, with no arson incidents reported. Notably, structural burglaries were down 40% for the month, with all incidents occurring in Manhattan.

However, the report highlighted a concerning increase in motor vehicle thefts, which rose by 43%. Of the 15 vehicle burglaries, a significant number involved unlocked cars, with two firearms reported stolen. Additionally, while DUI incidents were 2% below the five-year average for August, year-to-date figures showed a 2% increase, prompting officials to emphasize the need for enhanced traffic safety measures and community education.

Traffic accidents overall were reported to be 16% above the five-year average, with preventable accidents spiking by 30%. The meeting underscored the importance of ongoing efforts to address these issues and improve community safety.