As the administration of New York City, our main goal has always been to make the city affordable and the safest big city in America. We have been successful in achieving this by being tough and smart on crime, both on the streets and in the subways.
Thanks to our efforts, New York City has experienced nine consecutive months of crime reduction, with crime rates continuing to decline. Overall index crime decreased by 3.1 percent in September, 3.3 percent for the third quarter, and 2.0 percent year to date. Homicides, burglary, grand larceny, and grand larceny auto have all decreased year to date, with September also showing decreases in various other crime categories.
Transit crime has also decreased year to date, with an 8.7 percent decrease in September, a 4.8 percent decrease for the quarter, and a 5.1 percent decrease year to date. These positive results have been achieved through hard work and perseverance, including the removal of illegal guns, arrests of violent criminals, and the removal of illegal mopeds and ghost cars from the streets.
In addition to these efforts, we have closed over 1,200 illegal smoke shops, increased police presence on the streets and subways, and invested in upstream solutions to tackle the root causes of crime. One of our key interventions is the PATH program, which provides support to unhoused individuals in the subway system. Since its launch less than two months ago, the program has made contact with over 1,500 unhoused New Yorkers and provided services to over 500 people.
It is important to note that our focus on connecting unhoused individuals to services does not imply that they are the primary source of crime or that they deserve to be ignored. Our approach is compassionate and aims to provide support and resources to those in need. The PATH program will work alongside existing initiatives to support individuals struggling with mental illness and ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.
Recent incidents, such as the assault on an MTA worker in Brooklyn, highlight the importance of proactive intervention and support for those in need. As the mayor of New York City, our team is dedicated to looking after the needs of all residents and maintaining the city as the Safest Big City in America. This commitment drives our daily efforts to deliver results and ensure the well-being of all New Yorkers.
