Crime in New York has fallen dramatically since the terrorist attacks on the city.
The city's police commissioner says the rate has dropped about 30 per cent for the week to date.
A heavy police presence on the streets and people at home watching TV news of the terror attacks are thought to be behind the falls.
The city's murder rate is down 11 per cent over past year for the year to date, Commissioner Mr Bernard Kerik said.
One police source told the New York Postburglaries and robberies would "obviously be down because people were home watching TV and not going to work".
The heavy security presence on the streets may have had a strong psychological impact on would-be criminals.
One detective also said some people who were the victims of petty crime didn't want to bother police at this time and did not call to report them.
The New York Postalso reported Gov George Pataki has suspended statutory time limitations on criminal and civil proceedings, including the requirement that court appearances must be held within 24 hours.
PA