Reported murders have risen in Queens to 29 from 23 in the first six months of 2018 as compared to the first six months of 2017, according to the latest New York City Police Department figures.
The 21% increase comes as citywide there have been 146 reported murders through the end of June this year as compared to 137 at this time in 2017 or a 6.6% increase.
But the borough has seen an overall 4.65% in overall felony crime categories taken together at the halfway point of 2018 compared to the same time period of last year. The crime categories include murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny and auto theft.
Among the increase of reported murders include the 105th precinct covering Queens Village, Cambria Heights, Laurelton, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens, Bellerose, Glen Oaks, New Hyde Park, and Floral Park in Eastern Queens.
The precinct has seen six reported murders as of July 1 this year as compared to only two in the first half of 2017. However, overall felony crime has fallen nearly 10% with 752 total felony crimes reported at the halfway mark of 2018 compared to 834 felony crimes reported during the same time period last year.
In the 107th Precinct serving Fresh Meadows, Cunningham Heights, and Hilltop Village in Northern Queens there were four reported murders as of July 1 this year as compared to no murders during the same time period in 2017. However, overall felony crime has fallen 8.44% from this year to last at the halfway point.
The biggest drop in overall reported felony crime came at the 110th Precinct encompassing the communities of Corona and Elmhurst. The precinct is mainly a residential/commercial community consisting of multiple dwelling homes, and one major apartment complex, Lefrak City.
Crime was down 13.30% at the halfway mark of 2018 compared to the same time in 2017. There were two reported murders at this time both in 2018 and 2017.
