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Police will increase presence in Central Park following string of weekend robberies: NYPD
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Apr 28, 2024
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Gary Hershorn/Getty Images
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Apr 28, 2024
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The NYPD is upping patrols of Central Park after a string of robberies over the weekend, officials said on Sunday.
The increase of police presence in Central Park follows reports of two reported robberies, one attempted robbery and a fourth incident involving grand larceny from Thursday to Saturday.
The string of robberies began on Thursday, when police said a 28-year-old woman had her phone and wallet stolen – and sustained at least one blow to the face from the assailant on West Drive near West 97th Street.
The following day, two men unsuccessfully attempted to steal the phone of a 25-year-old man on East Drive near East 109th Street, police said.
Hours later on that same day, a 41-year-old sustained injuries – and was taken to a nearby hospital – after having his cell phones and wallet stolen at gunpoint by a group of people on East Drive near East 59th Street, according to police.
The most recent incident – involving grand larceny – occurred when a 46-year-old man had a bag of camera equipment stolen on Saturday afternoon near East Drive and East 74th Street, the NYPD said.
No arrests have been made in any of the four incidents – and the investigations are still underway.
The incidents follow an uptick in robberies in the area, according to crime statistics. There were 10 reported robberies in Central Park from January to April – a stark increase from just two reported robberies during the same time last year, according to police data.
Earlier this month, a man assaulted a woman with a hammer in Central Park – and there have also been recent reports of violent attacks on women across Manhattan.
The NYPD's Central Park precinct, which patrols the park, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Tagged
new york city
public safety
manhattan
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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