According to the NYPD, New York City has seen a percent rise in major crimes so far in 2022. There has been a significant dip in murders, but this dip was offset by rises in other major crime categories, including rape, robbery, felony assault, and burglary. Categories like Grand larceny auto are up as high as 93% versus last year.
Hate crimes are also up by 79%, and shooting incidents by 32%. The sharp surge in both physical and property crimes is a result of some factors, including illegal possession of firearms and an increase in the unemployment rate.
- Firearms Policies
In America today, there are millions of guns. In fact, there was a record sale of guns in 2020 as well as 2021. However, many of these guns are in the wrong hands. People with mental illnesses and even children nowadays have access to firearms. Policies should be implemented to help people with mental issues instead of them being handed guns.
Certain requirements should be met before being able to carry a weapon – requirements similar to that required to drive a vehicle. A permit indicating wellness both mentally and physically should be atta
- Poverty in Disadvantaged Areas
Areas with more concentrated disadvantages are more likely to experience higher levels of violent crime. Studies also show that areas with higher poverty rates tend to have higher rates of violent crime. Violent crime usually occurs more often in localized areas, and policing of such “hot spots” can be effective. Youth job opportunities, empowerment, housing programs, and strong social organization can also help reduce crime rates in such areas.
- Increase in Unemployment Rate
As of 2022, NYC has the worst unemployment rate in the United States at 7.5 percent, plummeting from 4.2 percent in 2020. Two years after the pandemic, New York City is still trying hard to recover from its effects. “New York’s economy is enduring a slower recovery because it is so dependent on the office and entertainment sectors,” said Mark Vitner, a Wells Fargo senior economist.
Unemployment has a significant effect on property crimes like burglary, larceny, theft, arson, and vandalism. Areas with high poverty and unemployment rates suffer high rates of property crimes.
- Illegal Guns
ATF data shows that the time required for illegally purchased guns to move through the black and grey markets to the receiving hand has shortened significantly.
Federal agents have to assist the local police in targeted legal anti-gun patrols. This can go a long way in reducing this part of the problem. The sources of the illegal shipments of these guns should also be targeted.
