Recent data from the NYPD indicates a startling rise in serious crimes within Central Park. As of 2025, serious assaults have surged by 58%, and reports of non-rape sexual crimes have skyrocketed by 146%.
This year, there have been 19 felony assaults in the park, compared to 12 during the same timeframe last year. If we take a look back two years, serious assaults have increased by 138%, and even more drastically, by 280% over the last 15 years.
The category of “other sexual crimes”, which encompasses various offenses aside from rape, is also on the rise, with 27 incidents of this nature recorded so far this year. Interestingly, this is down slightly from 11 cases during the equivalent period in 2024.
On September 26, a 22-year-old woman from New Jersey was approached by a man while she was talking on her phone near West Drive and Center Drive. The encounter quickly turned inappropriate when he groped her before fleeing the scene, leaving no arrests made.
A similar incident occurred on August 28 when a woman walking with her husband was slapped on the backside by a stranger on a single-wheeled scooter while they were on West Drive near 72nd Street around 10 p.m.
These increasing cases have struck a chord with park visitors, some of whom are now more wary. “I’m not going to walk here alone,” shared 45-year-old Vena Watson, who was enjoying the park with her husband.
Tom Moore, a local building superintendent, attributed this rise in crime to political decisions over the past few years. “Things have escalated since 2020 with policies like no cash bail. The leniency on crime creates a cycle of violence,” Moore, 60, expressed. “I’m going crazy…I’m afraid to go out at night.”
In one alarming incident from August 25, a homeless man attacked two individuals within the park, strangling one and biting another’s ear. Police reported that 27-year-old David Luciano approached an 18-year-old man on West Drive, where he proceeded to choke, punch, and kick him before escaping.
Thirty minutes later, Luciano assaulted a 37-year-old man in a similar manner, leading to police apprehending him about an hour after the second attack. He has since faced charges including assault and obstruction of breathing and was taken for a psychiatric evaluation.
Tony Martinez, a lifelong New Yorker, remarked on the noticeable crime increase. “I wouldn’t tell vulnerable people to go out at night,” the 53-year-old said. “I’ve heard stories of people just getting knocked down.”
In a concerning incident on November 5, a woman was attacked in broad daylight by two men on a folding electric bike. They punched her in the head, assaulted her, and robbed her of her headphones.
In another observation, a couple visiting from England—Laurie and Ross McDonagh—shared their fears. Laurie’s comment, “I’m worried about crime. It’s quite scary at night,” reflects a growing sentiment among visitors. They also mentioned witnessing many individuals exhibiting signs of emotional distress, further adding to their concerns.
A police spokesperson mentioned that, despite these incidents, overall crime in parks has dropped by 22.1% compared to the same period last year, noting that 40% of reported “other sexual offenses” were linked to indecent exposure.
They also highlighted that half of the 19 felony assaults have resulted in arrests and emphasized the NYPD’s commitment to enhancing safety in Central Park. “The Central Park Division is expanding the Q-Team to further reduce crime and ensure New Yorkers continue to feel safe in Central Park,” the spokesperson stated.
