In a recent interview with NBC New York affiliate NBC4, host David Ushery, NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell expressed concern about the increase in migrant crime that is negatively impacting the city. Chief Chell highlighted various criminal activities such as robberies, purse snatching on mopeds, pickpocketing on public transportation and streets, as well as “mob-like” behavior in certain retail areas. He emphasized that these trends are growing and contributing to the overall crime rate for everyday New Yorkers. The NYPD is actively working to address these issues and mitigate their impact on the city.
Chell said, “Well, right now, we see an uptick and we see trends in migrant crime that [are] hurting our city a little bit. When I talk about trends, we’re talking about crimes committed on mopeds, whether it be purse snatchers or robberies, pickpockets on the train, pickpockets on the streets. We’re seeing some mob-like activity when it comes to Macy’s or Sunglass Hut. So, we’re seeing these trends start to get bigger and bigger, and it’s adding to our everyday New Yorkers’ crime, and we’re trying to put a lid on it.”