Current data suggests that falling asleep on the subway may be unwise, although this does not come as a surprise to most of us. The NYPD provided data that shows 21% of subway crime victims are sleeping.
According to statistics released at the most recent MTA Transit & Bus Committee meetings, out of 1,600 reported subway crimes this year, 331 occurred when the victim was asleep. Last year, only 16.8% of subway crime victims were sleeping when said crime occurred. Authorities say the spike in these crimes is likely due to the risk in nighttime ridership.
Overall subway crimes have seem to decreased this year, with only 1,601 total crimes reported in 2014 thus far compared to 1,888 over the same period in 2013. Subway robberies, burglaries and grand larcenies have all dropped, through there’s been a small spoke in report felony assaults (5.7%).
While sleeping on the subway can lead to you having your wallet or phone stolen, it can also put you at risk for more serious crimes, too, such as assault.
Source: Gothamist