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‘Alarming’ increase in East Harlem sex crimes – Metro US

‘Alarming’ increase in East Harlem sex crimes

Jessica Lappin Jessica Lappin and Jose Serrano hand out flyers on sex crimes in East Harlem. (Courtesy Jessica Lappin’s office)

Sex crimes are increasing at an “alarming” rate uptown, politicians said today.

NYPD crime stats as of March 31 show a 35 percent increase in misdemeanor sex crimes in northern Manhattan, compared to the same time two years ago.

And the NYPD fielded 13 sexual assault complaints so far in the East Harlem police precinct during 2013, compared to three in 2011, officials said.

“The spike in sexual assault complaints in East Harlem is alarming,” Manhattan Councilwoman Jessica Lappin said.

Lappin, along with State Sen. Jose Serrano, handed out the flyers this morning at the East 116th Street 6 train subway station.

“It’s even more concerning that there is likely underreporting, especially among the immigrant community, which makes it even more important that we’re out here today,” Serrrano said.

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The flyers note that sexual assault includes “accidentally” brushing sexual parts of a body, flashing or fondling private parts in public or lewd comments.

Anyone experiencing something like this should call 911 or NYPD Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS.