NYC crime increased 31% last month compared to June 2021: Police

Crime in the Big Apple skyrocketed more than 30% in June compared to the same month last year, with NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell sometimes pointing the finger at repeat offenders.

An increase in six of the seven major crimes measured by the department contributed to the increase — although the seventh category, homicides, fell a whopping 31.6% last month compared to figures compiled in June 2021, according to preliminary NYPD statistics.

Grand theft increased by 41%, robbery by 36.1% and burglary by 33.8%.

The crime index has increased by 31.1% overall since June 2021.

There were 26 homicides last month, while 38 homicides were cited a year ago, the NYPD said. Shootings also fell by 24.2% year-on-year in June.

The silver lining comes despite a string of high-profile murders over the past month, including a young mother who was shot dead on the Upper East Side, a Queens man who was gunned down while sitting in his car and a Harlem Hoops star, who was killed in a shooting.

Addressing the spike in most crimes, Sewell said during a Thursday news conference that the department “keeps arresting” the same people for crimes.

“We have to deal with recidivists in a number of these crimes who keep coming out and doing the same crimes over and over again,” she said. “So while we’re seeing some decrease in homicides and shootings, we’re still focused on the crimes, the burglaries and the other crimes.

“But we keep arresting the same people and we will not stop trying to make sure we take them into custody and make sure they face the consequences for those actions.”

Sewell added that while some criminal justice reforms are well intentioned, she wishes more changes would be made after recent tweaks.

Sewell has touted the work the department is doing to combat gun violence.

Police said they seized more than 3,700 guns in 2022, with gun arrests at a 27-year high.

In June 2022, there were 355 gun arrests, bringing the total for the six months of the year citywide to 2,381 — a 4% increase from 2,290 gun arrests in the first half of 2021.

“The NYPD’s work to curb gun violence in New York City is taking hold — with shootings declining in all five boroughs,” Sewell said in a statement.

“We have taken thousands of guns off the streets — both traditional firearms and ghost guns — and along with our law enforcement partners, have enacted significant illegal gun bans.

“We are encouraged by this downward trend in gun violence early in the summer, but recognize that we must remain focused on our important public safety mission – the lives of New Yorkers depend on it.”