NEW YORK — Youth violence in New York City surged in 2024, with the number of minors robbed or assaulted reaching five-year highs, according to newly obtained data from the NYPD. The rising crime rates have sparked discussions about the effectiveness of current policies and the need for stronger intervention and community support.
Youth Crime Statistics for 2024
The NYPD investigated:
- 2,400 felony assaults on minors
- 4,200 misdemeanor assaults involving minors
- Nearly 1,500 robbery victims under the age of 18
These numbers mark the highest totals in the last five years, despite an overall decrease in robberies citywide.
Additionally:
- 105 minors were shot in 2024, up from 101 in 2023 but still higher than the 64 reported in 2019.
The data highlights a concerning trend: while violent crime increased among all age groups, the 11% jump in youth robbery victims is particularly alarming.
A Personal Story: Akira Demas’ Experience
Fourteen-year-old Akira Demas is among the young victims of violence. In December, a classmate punched him in the back of the head and robbed him of his school laptop, shoes, and jacket.
“His school computer is gone. We’re like, what do you mean today they took everything that you had?” said his mother, Renee Simpson.
Since the incident, Akira has struggled to complete assignments without his laptop. He reported that the same classmate robbed him on two consecutive days near the Bronxwood Preparatory Academy, and despite reporting the crime, no arrest has been made.
“I’ve always been on edge,” Akira said. “One wrong move, and I might encounter him again.”
Responses from the Community and Experts
Andy King, leader of the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program, expressed concern over the increasing youth-on-youth violence and placed some of the responsibility on the lack of guidance at home.
“When you have a 14-year-old committing a crime against another 14-year-old, what is being taught at home?” King asked.
Kevin O’Connor, a retired NYPD Assistant Commissioner, called for stronger consequences for repeat offenders.
“If you stopped a kid after his fourth arrest, imagine how many less victims there would be,” O’Connor said.
Policy Debate: Revisiting the Raise The Age Law
New York Mayor Eric Adams has called for changes to the Raise The Age law, which was passed in 2017 to ensure minors are not automatically tried as adults. Adams argues that the law needs modifications to better handle minors who repeatedly commit violent offenses.
However, the coalition that helped pass the law believes the real solution lies in investing in marginalized communities. They argue that providing better resources, support systems, and educational opportunities could help prevent youth crime at its roots.
The rising rates of youth violence in New York City highlight a critical need for a multi-faceted approach to crime prevention. While some experts advocate for stronger consequences for repeat offenders, others stress the importance of addressing the socioeconomic factors contributing to youth violence. With both perspectives gaining traction, the city faces the challenge of creating policies that balance accountability, prevention, and rehabilitation.
