Manhattan
Staying safe in this part of town is no walk in the park.
Felony crimes — including rape and burglary — are up more than 10 percent year-to-date through Sunday in Central Park, according to NYPD statistics, according to the New York Post.
Six rapes have been reported in the park so far this year. This time last year, that number was zero.
Burglaries also are up, with six this year versus one for the same period last year.
In addition to the felony crimes, misdemeanor sex crimes in the park have doubled, with eight so far this year versus four this time last year.
Since those numbers were released, there have been two other incidents.
Monday night, a woman was attacked by a deranged man who bit her arm as she walked along the park’s East Drive near East 102nd Street.
Cops said the 30-year-old victim was enjoying a walk near the North Meadow softball fields around 9:30 p.m. when the creep came up from behind and grabbed her.
He tried to rip her shirt open before biting her, cops said.
When she fought back, the sicko threatened, “I will kill you!”
He gave up and fled the scene.
The victim was treated at Harlem Hospital for minor injuries.
“It’s scary for sure,” said Jessie McKenzie, a 17-year-old student who reads in the park every day.
“I love the park. I go there to read a book, but I leave when it gets dark. I’m always vigilant and I make sure I’m with someone.”
A day after the biting incident, a concession-stand worker was robbed at knifepoint by two thugs who snatched his tip jar and a Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
Cops said the thieves confronted the worker at the Loeb Boathouse concession stand near East 72nd Street at around 6 p.m. and swiped the cash.
The worker tried to chase the crooks down, but backed off when one of them pulled a knife.
No one was injured.
Later that evening, police dusted the shack for prints, and took in several people for questioning.
Elizabeth Cotto, 30, an administrative assistant, said she grew up near Central Park and walks through the park to get home from work. She said she is careful even when the sun is still shining.
“It is very concerning,” Cotto said. “When I’m going home from work, I make sure there are people around me.”
Additional reporting by Amanda Lozada
Read More:
New York Post - September 5, 2013 - By Daniel Prendergast and Georgett Roberts
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