New York city’s murder rate has jumped 9 percent so far this year, reports the New York Daily News. Though major crime is down 5 percent across the city, 239 people have been slain, compared with 219 during the same period last year when the murder rate was at a record low. Police officials said the rise in homicides is not a reason to panic or a signal that the city is becoming like the early 1990s, when the streets were plagued by random violence and killings.
Police officials noted that serious crime – including murders, rapes, robberies and felony assaults – has fallen about 22 percent citywide in the last five years. Brooklyn has more homicides than any other borough this year. – and the only two precincts in the city with double-digit homicides. In the 71st Precinct, which reported 11 murders, commander Frank Vega said “we need more eyes on the street,” suggesting that more active community groups could help police.
Link: http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/429887p-362338c.html