Robberies skyrocket at Central Park, 19 in one week

(ANSA) - New York, May 25 - New York's Central Park is experiencing a dramatic uptick in robberies compared to the same period last year, with a total of 19 thefts in the past week and most in broad daylight, according to police sources Monday.
    Police data show that in the same period last year, 11 robberies were reported, resulting in a 72% increase this year.
    Police surveillance in the park has increased following the theft incidents, including two couples who were robbed and threatened with a knife and a taser gun, respectively.
    The latest victim was a 16-year-old who was robbed after a man sat down next to him on a park bench on the western side of the 79th Street Transverse.