Guardian Angels start patrol in Central Park

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - The Guardian Angels have decided to go back to foot patrols for the first time in two decades because of the recent spike in violent crimes in New York City.

Founder Curtis Sliwa joined five of his Angels to patrol Central Park at night.

The 61-year-old radio personality says he blames Mayor de Blasio for the rise in overall crime.

"In order to keep Central Park the crown jewel of New York City, we need to put boots on the ground. We need to get Guardian Angels back into Central Park," Sliwa says.

New York City Comp stat reports that crime in Central Park is up 28% over this time last year.

The mayor's office did not respond to a request for comment on the Guardian Angels patrols.

The Citizens Crime Commission thinks the public should not overreact to these latest statistics. President Richard Aborn says that reality is crime is "incredibly low" in New York City and very low in Central Park.