South End arrests increased by 163% this summer, police say

"As Boston officials continue to field complaints about rising crime in and around the South End, new statistics shared by police show a staggering increase in the number of arrests that occurred in the neighborhood this year. Between May 1 and Aug. 24, the South End saw 478 arrests, up from 182 during the same period last year. This represents a 163% increase, according to statistics shared by Boston Police Department officials at a "Community CompStat" meeting at the end of August."

"For much of this year, residents, community leaders, and elected officials have been sounding a steady drumbeat of alarm. They say that people are gathering to use drugs in new areas of the city, causing needles to be strewn about on sidewalks and in parks. Residents have reported home break-ins, people injecting opioids on their front steps, and public defecation. Shoplifting is a growing concern."

"Shortly after the BPD statistics were shared at the end of this summer, scores of emotional residents and business owners packed a City Council hearing to demand action. The same week, the Wu administration increased police presence around Mass. and Cass. Close to 100 officers who recently graduated from the Boston Police Academy were among those assigned to the area."

Between May 1 and Aug. 24, the South End recorded 478 arrests, a 163% increase from 182 during the same period last year. Residents and leaders report people gathering to use drugs in new areas, with needles appearing on sidewalks and in parks, home break-ins, people injecting opioids on front steps, public defecation, and rising shoplifting. Some attribute problems to the handling of the Mass. and Cass area after a major tent encampment was cleared in late 2023 and spillover into other neighborhoods. The city increased police presence and assigned nearly 100 recent academy graduates; Councilor Ed Flynn continues to receive frequent constituent complaints.

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