New York state saw a 6% decrease in violent crime outside of New York City during the first six months of 2023 compared to the first half of 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday, using data collected by police departments and sheriffs' offices in 57 counties.

The data showed decreases in each of the four violent crime categories. Murder was down 27%, rape down 16%, robbery down 5% and aggravated assault down 4%.

In New York City, five of the seven serious crime categories tracked by the NYPD declined, with reported murders, rapes and burglaries each down 10%.

“These trends are proof positive that our smart, strategic investments and strong local, state and federal partnerships are making a difference in neighborhoods and communities across the state,” Hochul said. 

The issue of crime has been a sticking point and political drag for Hochul in the post-pandemic era. In 2022 and 2023, Hochul spearheaded changes to the state's bail laws through the state Legislature, including a provision this year that grants judges more discretion in setting bail in a wider array of cases. Crime has routinely been a top issue for New Yorkers, according to several polls under Hochul's tenure.