First half of year sees drop in crime

For most of us, the 50th Precinct continued to become safer during the first six months of 2013. 

Crime overall was down 5 percent from January to June, compared to the same period in 2012. 

“We’re pleased with the trend,” said precinct commander Deputy Inspector Kevin Burke, “and we’re going to continue in the right direction.”

Since 1993, complaints have diminished by more than 80 percent, with auto theft leading the way. Cars are about 2 percent less likely to be stolen on local streets than they were last year and 95 percent less likely to be stolen than they were two decades ago. “We’ve utilized our anti-crime units proactively,” Deputy Inspector Burke said. 

Major crimes like murder and rape have never been prevalent in the area, but two murders have been recorded this year, compared to one last year. So far, no rapes have been reported. Last year, by this time, four had occurred. 

Among “personal” crimes, only felonious assault saw an uptick, from 55 in 2012 to 61 in 2013. And gunplay remained troubling, with five incidents reported in 2013 compared to just one in 2012. 

“Guns are a focus of ours,” Deputy Inspector Burke said, “compared to the rest of the Bronx, gun crime is relatively low, but any time guns are being fired it’s an area of concern.” 

He singled out the shooting of 9-year-old Amanda Chauana on June 14 near her Bailey Avenue home.

Robbery was down slightly, from 67 incidents in 2012 to 65 this year and burglary dropped by more than 18 percent — from 81 reported crimes last year to 66 in 2013. Grand larceny — generally the theft of more than $1,000 worth of booty — was also down, from 189 incidents to 180.

The rate of car theft was almost identical this year and last: 44 to 43 reports.

Among lesser crimes, petit larceny led the way with 367 instances recorded this year compared to 359 last year. 

Deputy Inspector Burke emphasized that residents shouldn’t become complacent.

“We suggest a common sense approach,” he said, “there’s no need for life-altering actions, but be aware. Don’t display personal items in your car or on your person. Lock your windows, especially near fire escapes. Late at night, go out in groups, that sort of thing.”

“If a row of cars is parked and yours is the only one with the GPS on the dashboard, which one do you think they’ll break into?” he asked.