Crime on decline in the 44 Precinct: Reports show crime in major areas down in the 44th precinct and throughout the city.

By Denae Brewer
Editor in Chief

Bronxites living within the boundaries of the 44th precinct have a lot to celebrate in the New Year—the crime rate is down.

Comp Stat reports released by the New York City Police Department which tracks the number of crime occurrences during a period of time shows on average how the crime rate in the precinct, in the Bronx and in the entire city has fallen.

“We’re pretty proud of what’s happening,” said Deputy Inspector James O’Neil, commander of the 44th. The Precinct, which covers an almost two-mile radius with a population of 125 thousand residents, is home to 255 officers “We’ve all worked hard to ensure that the community is safe.”

The police look at seven major offenses when calculating crime statistics. They are: murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny and grand larceny auto.

In comparison to 2002’s totals, in the 44th precinct, all major categories—except grand larceny, which rose 9.2 percent in 2003—reported declines.

Inspector O’Neil attributes the increase in grand larceny to identity theft — meaning unauthorized use of credit card accounts, cell phone accounts and social security numbers just to name a few.

“It’s not necessarily the case that the theft took place in the precinct,” Inspector O’Neil explained. “Many times the complainant {victim] lives in the area, but the crime took place somewhere else. They still report it to us.”

Although at press time, final reports for the year were not in, when looking at comp stat totals for week ending December 21, 2003, the 44th precinct shows a 10.6 percent decrease in crime compared to 2002. In comparison, according to the same report, the 44th precinct faired better than the city which averaged a 5.3 percent decrease.

“Inspector O’Neil is pleased with the decrease and credits more than just police work . “We did well for a number of reasons,” he said. “Increase police activity and stronger community involvement from neighborhood groups, associations and individuals. I am sure the partnership will continue into the New Year and beyond.”