Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch says New York City saw historically low rates of major crime during the first two months of 2026.

According to Tisch, NYC saw 83 shooting incidents compared to the previous historic low of 92 in 2025, 97 shooting victims compared to the low of 105 in 2019 and 32 murders in contrast to the 2018 all-time low of 38.

She says these lows propelled a combined 8% decrease in major crime citywide and also include reduced rates of retail theft and burglary, which are down 20% and 24%, respectively.

“Once again, the NYPD is demonstrating how targeted, data-driven policing is reducing crime and keeping communities safe,” said Tisch. “In the first two months of this year, we have seen the fewest shooting incidents, shooting victims, murders, and burglaries in recorded history for January and February combined. The men and women of the NYPD brought major crime down in every borough and there were 1,100 fewer reported crimes than last year. From our public housing – which had historic lows in crime – to our streets and subways, we will always stay focused on keeping New Yorkers safe, and I thank every member of the NYPD for their continued work in getting us here.”

Not all categories of crime saw a drop. Transit crime increased by 18.5% in February, prompting an increase in officer presence at subway stations, Tisch says.

The number of reported rapes rose almost 2% compared to February 2025, a statistic that has been on the rise since November 2024. The commissioner says it can partly be attributed to the broadened legal definition of rape in the state, to include additional forms of sexual assault.

According to Tisch, the NYPD continued to focus on protecting young people, implementing its School Safety Plan at the beginning of the school year. She says youth-related crime saw a 56.7% decrease since September 2025.