New York City witnessed a decrease in both shootings and murders in 2023 compared to the previous year, as indicated by data released by the NYPD last week.

District Attorney Alvin Bragg appeared alongside NY1 political anchor Errol Louis on "Inside City Hall" Monday where he admitted there are still concerns in the area.

D.A. Bragg joined @errollouis on @NY1 last night to talk about the decline in crime in Manhattan, our targeted prosecution strategy, investments in mental health services, and more. Watch here: https://t.co/GEgJMLVNce

— Alvin Bragg (@ManhattanDA) January 9, 2024

The claims

According to the data, there was a 24.7% reduction in citywide shootings over the course of the year.

Furthermore, the five boroughs experienced declines in five out of the seven "index crime" categories monitored by the NYPD, encompassing overall crime.

The index covered crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, burglary, and grand larceny.

Problems remain

In 2023, New York City reported an overall decrease in crime compared to 2022, with Mayor Adams proudly asserting the city's status as the "safest big city in America."

However, the relief is tempered by the acknowledgment that the city still lags behind 2019 levels, the last year before the visible impact of criminal justice reforms.

Car thefts saw a notable surge, rising from 5,438 incidents in 2019 to 15,802 in 2023, marking a staggering 191% increase and surpassing 2022's total of 13,741 by 15%.

Auto theft, viewed as a crime with significant social implications akin to home break-ins, presents challenges even with insurance coverage, causing considerable inconvenience and life disruption.

Social media's impact

A substantial portion of this surge is attributed to social media dares encouraging thefts of specific car brands, underscoring the extent of lawlessness.

Overall crime has risen by 31% since 2019, with significant spikes in felony assaults (almost 35%), shootings (27%), and robberies (26%).

While crime decreased in five of the seven major categories in 2023 compared to 2022, including a 12% drop in homicides and a 25% decline in shootings, there remains a troubling 21% increase in murders over 2019.

Shoplifting surges

The concerning trend extends to a shoplifting epidemic that led the nation from mid-2019 to summer 2023, with a 64% increase.

This rise in theft has compelled retailers, those still in operation, to secure goods, leaving employees vulnerable to repeat offenders.

The progressive approach in Albany and the city is implicated in creating an environment of indifference to the challenges faced by average New Yorkers.

Beyond the crime statistics, the negative atmosphere has impacted tourism, particularly on Broadway, with 2023 ticket sales down 17% compared to the 2018-2019 season. Safety concerns are deterring older visitors from the suburbs, a crucial demographic.

While Mayor Adams and NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban are actively addressing crime, the concerns continue in the city for residents and visitors.