The New York Police Department (NYPD) is saying that a crew comprised of migrants, which includes minors, is behind a surge in crime in the city's Central Park.
Authorities cite several separate incidents and say they are deploying additional officers to counter the issue. Concretely, 40 additional officers will patrol Central Park between 7pm and 11 pm.
"We're not going to tolerate crimes in one of the most iconic locations in the world," said NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Tarik Sheppard, as reported by Fox 5 New York.
NYPD described a "larger young migrant robbery pattern in Central Park," saying that one of those arrested is as young as 11-years-old. The minor was captured on surveillance video using credit cards from one of the victims. Fox 5 New York said a group of up to 12 people, all minors or young men, are behind the increase in such crimes.
At least some of them are believed to be living in city-run shelters, according to ABC 7, and using "wolfpack force" to carry out the muggings.
The city's crime statistics show a 46% inter-annual increase in major crimes in Central Park in 2024. Robberies have surged by 200%. "There is no secrets being kept here, crime is up in this park on the year. Specifically, robberies are the name of the game here," said NYDP Chief of Patrol John Chell.
"At this point, we're ready to call it. This is a migrant robbery pattern," added Chell, who said most episodes are taking place in the southern part of the park. Half of those arrested in this area are migrants.
The force is urging anyone who can identify suspects to contact the police. Officials are also preparing to deploy drones in Central Park by the end of the month, their goal being to allow responses in less than a minute and track suspects until police arrives on the ground.
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