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New Yorkers Are Dropping Hundreds Of Dollars To Defend Against Crime: POLL

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A large number of New Yorkers are investing in resources for their own protection as crime fears are high, according to a poll from the Siena College Research Institute (SCRI).

A new poll found that 21% of New Yorkers are very concerned and 40% are somewhat concerned that they might be the victim of a crime, according to SCRI. Those concerns are leading 40% of state residents to spend $100 or more in the last year on goods or services that increase their sense of safety, with a further 12% spending $500 or more.

“About a third have purchased home security cameras (34%) or security lights with motion sensors (32%),” the SCRI poll revealed. “A quarter have hired a professionally monitored home security system. One out of every six New Yorkers has taken a self-defense class and 12% have purchased a firearm for self-defense.”

The poll also reveals data about the number of people who claim they have been around a crime or were a victim of a crime; 9% of people claim they have been assaulted in the last year and another 9% claim to have been the victim of a burglary, according to the SCRI. Nearly 40% say they have witnessed violent or threatening behavior in a public setting.

New York has a history of strict gun restrictions. The state previously had a law that required individuals to show “proper cause” to obtain a concealed carry permit that was struck down in June 2022 by the Supreme Court in the case New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Keith M. Corlett. The court ruled that the individuals involved did not need to show a demonstrated need to have a firearm for self-defense because of the Second Amendment.

Former Marine Daniel Penny was the subject of internet and media criticism after he allegedly held Jordan Neely in a choke hold for 15 minutes after Neely screamed “in an aggressive manner” on a New York City subway. Penny has since been charged with second-degree manslaughter, pleading not guilty. Several witnesses have praised Penny following the incident, saying they feared for their lives, with one woman calling Penny a “hero.”