By: ATN News
New York: In the midst of heightened concerns over subway safety, a number of riders express unease, underscoring a prevailing sense of vulnerability despite increased police presence. Denise Thomas, a regular subway rider, emphasizes the need for additional law enforcement and advocates for the removal of homeless individuals from trains to address ongoing safety issues.
Mayor Eric Adams, committed to combatting crime, has bolstered police presence on subway platforms and trains as part of an initiative launched in October 2022. However, this intensified security has not assuaged the apprehensions of certain commuters. Patrick Hu, a subway rider, reveals a heightened sense of vigilance due to a recent surge in criminal incidents, recounting an assault suffered by a friend last year.
NYPD statistics reveal alarming crime trends, with grand larceny witnessing an 88.7% spike in 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year. Felony assaults have surged by approximately 32.5%, reaching 53 incidents, while robbery has increased by 12%. Overall, transit crime has surged by 47.8% between January 1 and January 28, 2024, raising concerns among both authorities and commuters.
The data, however, may not capture unreported incidents, amplifying the gravity of the situation.
These troubling statistics coincide with a rising ridership, exemplified by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority celebrating over 1 billion trips in the previous year. Despite the surge in commuting, some riders emphasize the importance of vigilance and situational awareness. Kathryn Armour, a regular subway traveler, advocates for a heightened awareness of one's surroundings, advising fellow commuters to identify potential threats and take precautionary measures, such as changing cars or avoiding proximity to dangerous individuals.
With a commitment to tackling subway crime, the city allocated over $150 million in overtime pay for NYPD officers dedicated to patrolling the subway system in the previous year, according to city records. As concerns persist among riders, the effectiveness of these measures remains a subject of scrutiny, prompting a broader discussion on enhancing safety protocols within the public transit system.
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