Pinoys in New York warned vs rising crimes

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos in New York have been advised to remain vigilant as major crimes in the US city have increased by 37 percent.

In an advisory, the Philippine Consulate General in New York advised Filipinos taking mass transport to remain vigilant as transit crimes also increased by 55.5 percent compared to last year.

Latest statistics released by the New York Police Department (NYPD) indicated a 37 percent increase in major crimes citywide.

According to the NYPD, grand larceny was up 49 percent this year; grand larceny auto, 46.2 percent; robbery, 39.2, and burglary, 32.9 percent.

Hate crimes also increased by 12.6 percent.

“Kababayans are reminded to be situationally aware at all times when outside their residences and to take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime,” the consulate said.

An 18-year-old Filipino tourist from Cebu was reported to have been violently assaulted near the Philippine Center in Manhattan last week.

The assault was reportedly the 41st incident against Filipinos since last year.