Crime Drops In Astoria During Early Months Of 2026, Data Shows

ASTORIA, NY — Crime in the Astoria neighborhood declined in the first couple of months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to updated NYPD statistics.

Citywide, overall crime dropped in six of the seven major categories during January and February, compared to the same period in 2025.

Murder saw the largest decline—down 41.8 percent—while burglary, grand larceny, and grand larceny auto also decreased. Rape and transit crimes, however, rose by six percent and 12.5 percent, respectively.

Within the 114th Precinct—which includes Astoria, Long Island City, Woodside, and Jackson Heights—officers recorded decreases in three of the seven major crime categories.

Overall, major crimes in the precinct were down more than nine percent compared to the first two months of 2025, with at least two categories falling by more than 30 percent.

The most significant declines occurred in burglary (down 50 percent), felony assault (down 35 percent), retail theft (down 33.8 percent), and housing crimes (down 34.2 percent). Grand larceny also edged down slightly, from 37 reports to 35—a five percent decrease.

Despite these improvements, the precinct saw an uptick in certain serious offenses. Reported sex crimes increased notably, with rape cases rising roughly 40 percent year-over-year and UCR rape reports up 33 percent.

Across the city, however, violent crime indicators reached historic lows, according to NYC officials.

In January and February, New York recorded 83 shooting incidents and 97 shooting victims—new record lows compared to the previous benchmarks of 92 and 105, set in 2025 and 2019. Murders also fell to an all-time low of 32 citywide, surpassing the prior record of 38 set in 2018.

“Once again, the NYPD is demonstrating how targeted, data-driven policing is reducing crime and keeping communities safe,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “From our public housing—which had historic lows in crime—to our streets and subways, we will always stay focused on keeping New Yorkers safe."