Murders and shootings in New York City are down, according to new numbers put out by Mayor Bill de Blasio today.

The mayor says murders are down 49.1% and shootings are down 35%. In the month of July, he says the NYPD made 383 gun arrests. That's up 133.5% compared to last July.

The number of gun arrests is up 44.5% this year.

Since the launch of Safe Summer NYC in May, he says murders are down 26%, shootings are down 10% and shooting victims are down 11%. The mayor credits a number of factors, including last week's takedown in the Bronx that led to the arrest of eight gang members.

He also credits youth programs and other community engagement events put together by the NYPD to build better police community relations.

De Blasio says the court system now needs to step up. He says the city is extending its offer once again to do whatever is necessary to help in that process.