Special Correspondent
NEW YORK: The New York Police Department (NYPD) has announced the lowest number of murders and shooting incidents in recorded history for the first three months of 2026, marking a significant milestone in the city’s crime reduction efforts.
According to Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, New York City recorded 54 murders during the first quarter, surpassing the previous record low of 60 set in 2018. The city also reported 139 shooting incidents, matching the all-time low recorded in 2025.
Overall major crime declined by 5.3% citywide, with more than 1,400 fewer reported cases compared to the same period last year. The Bronx led the reduction with a 9.4% drop in major crime.
Burglaries saw a sharp decline of 20.6%, falling to the second-lowest level in recorded history. Robbery decreased by nearly 8%, while grand larceny dropped 3.6% and auto theft declined by the same margin. Retail theft also fell significantly by over 20% across the city.
Murders decreased by 28% compared to last year, with notable reductions in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Staten Island reported zero murders during the first quarter, while the Bronx recorded a slight increase.
The NYPD also reported historic safety improvements in public housing, with the lowest levels of murders, shootings, and robberies ever recorded for the start of a year. Crime in public housing declined by 7.2%.
Officials attributed the decline to targeted policing strategies, including the Winter Violence Reduction Plan, which deploys up to 1,800 officers in key areas. Since its launch, major crime in targeted zones has dropped by over 23%, while shootings have fallen by more than 60% during deployment hours.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani said the data reflects the effectiveness of the city’s public safety strategy, adding that the results demonstrate a safer environment for residents.
However, the report noted a 10.1% increase in reported rape cases, partly attributed to expanded legal definitions and improved reporting mechanisms encouraging survivors to come forward.
The NYPD also highlighted progress in subway safety, with overall transit crime down 1.3%, and in youth safety, where crime in designated zones has dropped by nearly 55% since last year.
Additionally, traffic fatalities decreased by 6.7%, making it the second-lowest number recorded for the first quarter.
The department emphasized that while overall crime is declining, efforts will continue to further enhance public safety and maintain the downward trend.
