Teenage Crime Doubles in New York City

Since the controversial “Raise the Age” law came into effect in New York City, teenage crime has more than doubled, even though overall crime rates have decreased, according to the latest annual report by Mayor Eric Adams.

The report shows that compared to last year, six out of seven major crimes in the city’s five boroughs have declined. However, in 2025, 5,623 teenagers were arrested for serious crimes, up from 2,200 in 2018 when the law was enacted and 2,807 in 2021. Teenagers are also increasingly becoming victims of crime. This year, 5,177 teens were victims, compared to 2,259 in 2021.

City Hall spokesperson Kayla Memelak stated that Mayor Adams has clearly indicated that the Raise the Age law passed by the former governor has led to an increase in both juvenile offending and victimization. She added that the city is pressing state lawmakers to reform such laws to ensure public safety while holding offenders accountable. Unfortunately, the law has inadvertently facilitated younger offenders.

The report also notes that in 2025, homicides decreased by 6 percent, robberies decreased by 17 percent, aggravated assaults fell by 9 percent, and thefts dropped by 5 percent. Grand larceny and motor vehicle theft each decreased by 10 percent. Shootings fell by 14 percent, dropping to 804 from 932 in the same period last year.