Hate crimes on subways continue to be on the rise, according to the NYPD.

This year alone 68 hate crimes have been reported, according to officials.

Officials say there has been about a 50% increase from the 44 reported hate crimes in 2018. 

Police say the community that continues to get targeted is the Jewish community. The NYPD transit chief says swastikas keep appearing throughout subway stations, drawn on seats, bathrooms and at times on pillars in the subway. Thirty-nine graffiti-related incidents have also been investigated.

In June, News 12 reported on a man that authorities say made anti-Semitic comments to another man as they waited for the subway on the J train platform.

The argument got so bad the victim told police the man threw his phone onto the train tracks. 

News 12 also reported on several anti-Semitic graffiti incidents and assaults on Jewish people, an issue that the NYPD says it has been taking very seriously.

In a recent statement the MTA said the department has zero tolerance for any attacks on New Yorkers involving their faith or sexual orientation. It continued by saying in part, “hate crimes, including offensive graffiti in subways, are abhorrent and reprehensible. Trains defaced with hate speech are immediately removed from service, and we continue to work with the NYPD to investigate and hold those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.”