Overall crime decreases, but murder, rape, and shootings rise in April, according to NYPD data.
In a recent report from the New York Police Department (NYPD), overall crime in New York City has shown a decrease; however, there are notable exceptions concerning certain violent crimes. The data released on Wednesday revealed a 24% drop in homicides from 2024 to 2025, with a total of 92 murders reported this year. Despite this decline, April 2025 saw an uptick in murders, with 28 incidents compared to 25 in the same month the previous year, marking a 12% increase.
Rape incidents have also risen sharply, up 30% year-on-year. In April 2025, there were 169 reported cases of rape, in contrast to 130 in April 2024. NYPD officials attribute much of this increase to changes in New York State legislation in September 2024 that expanded the legal definition of rape to include additional forms of sexual assault, which has likely encouraged more victims to report such crimes.
While the general trend for shooting incidents in 2025 has been reported as declining, April statistics indicate a 21.7% increase, with 73 incidents this year compared to 60 incidents in April 2024. This suggests a complex picture of gun violence in the city that maintains public concern.
Despite these troubling statistics for violent crime, overall crime—including robberies—has decreased by 13.5% in April 2025 compared to the same month the previous year. Burglary incidents have also declined by 9.6%, and grand larceny reports have decreased by 4%.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted the sustained decline in overall crime over seven consecutive months, attributing this progress to strategic initiatives implemented by the NYPD and the diligent efforts of its officers. She emphasized that continuous work remains essential to enhance safety and public confidence in the city.
Mayor Eric Adams has highlighted the decreased crime rates, alongside other pressing issues such as the migrant crisis and educational reform, asserting in a recent town hall meeting that the city is on a positive trajectory. He pointed to historical lows in both the number of shootings and homicides over the past quarter, advocating for the effectiveness of the administration’s policies.
Notably, crime in the subway system rose by 7.8% in April compared to the previous year, driven largely by increases in robberies and assaults. In 2025, subway crime year-to-date reflects a decrease of 7.8% from the previous year.
To address quality-of-life concerns in the city, the NYPD recently launched a dedicated unit known as the Quality of Life Division, or Q teams. This division, operational for just over a month, has undertaken approximately 2,400 tasks, leading to over 130 arrests and the confiscation of numerous vehicles associated with ongoing complaints.
As the city grapples with nuances in crime trends, law enforcement leaders remain focused on ensuring that New Yorkers feel safe in their communities while responding dynamically to the evolving landscape of urban safety.
Media News Source
