Subway Crime Rate Drops by 15%, Shooting Incidents Hit 30-Year Low

According to the latest data from the New York City Police Department (NYPD), in February of this year, the overall serious crime rate in New York City decreased by 14.5%, marking the lowest record of gun violence in the last 30 years. The subway crime rate also decreased by 15%, reflecting the effectiveness of the police force’s strengthened law enforcement and enhanced safety measures.

NYPD reported a decrease in major crime incidents from 9,149 cases last year to 7,821 cases in February this year, a reduction of 1,328 cases compared to the same period last year, indicating a two-digit decline trend for the third consecutive month. In addition to subway crimes, significant decreases were also observed in crime types such as murder, robbery, burglary, grand larceny, and grand larceny auto.

Robbery cases decreased by 25.2% (from 1,248 to 933), grand larceny decreased by 17% (from 3,712 to 3,081), grand larceny auto cases dropped by 12.7% (from 961 to 839), and felony assault and burglary cases decreased by 6% and 14.7%, respectively.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch attributed the decrease in crime rates to the “zone-based policing” strategy adopted by the NYPD, which focuses on deploying police forces in crime hotspots, especially in specific neighborhoods or subway stations with high crime rates. Within the subway system, police have increased personnel in platforms and train cars, especially at night, with two officers stationed on each train, significantly enhancing security effectiveness.

Since January 2025, NYPD has been implementing strict enforcement of minor violations in two subway transit areas in Queens and Brooklyn, such as occupying multiple seats or playing loud music. Since the implementation, police have dealt with a total of 984 violators, with 671 receiving summonses and 313 being arrested, including 180 individuals with outstanding warrants.

The police department stated that since 2022, law enforcement has seized over 20,500 illegal firearms. In the first two months of this year, New York City has experienced only 93 shooting incidents, the lowest record in 30 years.

Comparing data from February to the same period last year, the number of shooting incidents decreased by 20.8% (from 53 to 42), and the number of shooting victims decreased by 33.8% (from 65 to 43). Additionally, crime incidents in public housing decreased by 13%, with the number of victims dropping from 460 to 400 compared to last year.

In a statement, Commissioner Tisch highlighted that in the first two months of 2025, New York City witnessed the fewest shooting incidents in the last 30 years, coupled with a three-month consecutive double-digit decline in major crime categories, demonstrating the effectiveness of the police’s security strategy. By listening to the community, analyzing real-time data, and deploying resources to where they are most needed, whether on the streets or within the subway system, New Yorkers can feel the tangible improvement in public safety.

It is worth noting that the number of sexual assault cases increased by 21.7% in February (from 115 to 140). NYPD explained that this increase is partly related to changes in the law that came into effect on September 1, 2024, expanding the legal definition of rape to cover more forms of compelled behavior. Additionally, many cases occur between acquaintances, and NYPD continues to encourage victims to come forward and report incidents of sexual assault.

Cases investigated by the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force increased by 71% compared to February of last year (from 24 to 41). The police have stated that they will continue to closely monitor these trends to ensure the safety of all community members.