Photo: iStock
Aug. 23, 2010 By Christian Murray
The local crime rate has increased nearly 5 percent this year, according to statistics released today by the 108 police precinct.
Police precinct 108, which covers the neighborhoods of Woodside, Sunnyside and LIC, announced that the number of “reported” crimes increased 4.74 percent for the year-to-date period ending August 15, compared to the same period in 2009. There were 776 reported crimes through August 15 this year, compared to 741 last year.
However, the more serious crimes have risen much faster. There were two murders through August 15 vs. 1 for the same period last year; 10 rapes vs. 7; 110 robberies vs 97; 80 felony assaults vs. 55.
The rate of burglaries has declined from the 160 reported through August 15, 2009—to 155 this year. Grand larcenies have fallen from 309 to 281.
Grand larceny autos have risen so far this year to 138 vs. 112 last year.
In August, the 108 police precinct didn’t have its monthly meeting to explain what’s led to the uptick in the statistics. The next meeting will be held on Sept. 28.
