Filipinos in New York told to be vigilant amid spike in subway crime rate

(REUTERS/File Photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos in New York were advised to stay vigilant amid a reported spike in crimes in the subway system.

“In view of these findings, kababayan [fellow Filipinos] are reminded to stay vigilant and to take the necessary precautions when taking the subway,” the Philippine Consulate General in New York said in an advisory on Thursday.

Major felonies reported in the New York subway system increased by 68 percent in the first four months of 2022 compared to the same period last year, according to the consulate, citing the transit bureau records of the New York City Police Department.

In particular, robberies in the New York transit system “have surged 71 percent in 2022 compared with the same period last year,” the consulate said.

Meanwhile, felony assaults were up by 28 percent while grand larceny has shot up by 110 percent, it also noted.

 Recently, a 27-year-old woman was stabbed in the thigh on a New York City subway platform. 

 This followed recent attacks in the transit system, including incidents where passengers were pushed onto the tracks from platforms.

Earlier this month, a man also set off two smoke bombs at a packed subway train in Brooklyn and opened fire on passengers.

The suspect, identified as Frank James, remains under police custody.

 gsg