Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today announced that New York City continues to reduce overall crime to levels not seen in decades and remains the safest big city in America according to the FBI's Preliminary Crime Report for the first six months of 2006.  According to the report, the City experienced a 7.2% drop in overall crime comparing the first six months of 2006 and 2005, resulting in a decrease of 23.9% comparing the first six months of 2006 to 2001. Violent crime decreased 3.1% in the City, compared to a national increase of 3.7%, while property crime fell 8.6% in the City, compared to national decline of 2.6%.

"Through cutting-edge and innovative strategies the men and women of the New York City Police Department continue to make New York City America's safest big city," said Mayor Bloomberg. "In the first six months of 2006, New York City continued to reduce crime in nearly every category - outpacing the national reduction in violent crime and property crime. But there's more to do, which is why I've made stopping the flow of illegal guns into our City a top priority. If you carry an illegal gun, you will face the consequences - including a 3 ½ year mandatory prison sentence."

"Once again, the men and women of the New York City Police Department have risen to the occasion to drive crime down well below national averages to keep New York City safe," said Commissioner Kelly.

For the first six months of 2006, the total crime index in New York City was 1187.6 crimes per 100,000 people.  Out of the 232 cities with a population of 100,000 or more that reported to the FBI, New York City ranked 220th between Daly City, California and Edison Township New Jersey.  Out of the nation's 25 largest cities, New York had the lowest Index Crime rate per 100,000 people.

% Change from first six months 2006 - 2005

The following chart shows where New York City ranked in the Total Crime Index for the nation's 10 largest cities.