Central Park is one of the most well-known parks in New York City. It’s infamous for appearing in several iconic movies such as “Home Alone: Lost in New York”, “Spiderman 3”, and “Elf.” The park has been a hot spot for tourists all around the world. Recently however, several crimes have been happening in Central Park, frightening tourists visiting the city.
Central Park was created in 1858, by Fredrick Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. According to Centralparknyc.com, “In celebration of its 165th anniversary, we honor the Park that continues to bring millions of people together today.”
The park is meant to symbolize peace, and a “public place that would provide a beautiful and democratic space for all New Yorkers,” as expressed by Centralpark.com. Sadly, more and more crime is being seen in Central Park lately as stated by the New York Post, “Robberies surge 5.6% in NYC in last month with a 350 percent increase in Central Park.”
Since the 1930’s crime in Central Park was seen, Centralparkhistory, explains, “Evidence leaves little doubt that crime, particularly against persons and property, had indeed increased dramatically in Central Park and throughout the city since the park opened.”
On April 30th, the New York Police Department spoke to NBC about the increase in crime in Central Park. The NYPD is taking a stand towards the immense amount of robberies in Central Park, the items being robbed are electronic devices.
“We’re using all resources available in the NYPD to address this. We’ve increased camera surveillance. We’re also utilizing our auxiliaries on weekends to address the condition here in the park,” said the officer to NBC New York.
Citizens of New York spoke to the New York Post about their views on Central Park, with one mother saying, “I would never walk on this side of the park at night. It’s not all glitz and glamour like the movies make Central park out to be.”
Another mom expressed, “I used to bring my son here a lot when he was still in a stroller…but now that he’s running all over the place, it’s just no longer a safe feeling for me.”
Central Park is known for it’s highlights in tourism and in movies, however do your diligence and be prudent while walking around New York.
