Subway performers on Tuesday gathered outside City Hall to joined critics complaining about harsh police arrests and rough crackdowns on minor offenders.

The NYPD has reportedly been arresting subway dancers, musicians, and acrobats as a way of showing that they will not tolerate lawlessness.

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The number of arrests has increased in 2014 and the performers claim that they only seek to make an arrangement about performing without fear of being taken into custody

According to reports, to date there have already been 240 arrested performers. This is four times more than the number of subway performers arrested last year.

34-year-old construction worker and subway acrobat, Zenon "Tito" Laguerre stated that street performers are not criminals and shouldn't be arrested for showcasing their talents. 

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said even though subway performing is only a minor offense, the law still has to be upheld.

Subway performances are generally permitted in certain parts of the station, but performers are required to obtain a permit if they want to perform inside the train, transit rules state.

Subway commuters tend to view the performers as a key part of the city's artistry and unique personality, but some think they are annoying - especially during rush hour commutes.

Despite no injuries being reported thus far, police have claimed that many of the stunts done by performers on trains could be potentially life-threatening.

Violinist Matthew Christian stated that even some performers which have abided by the rules and stuck to performing in assigned parts of the stations have been arrested.

According to Christian, those possessing permits are at times told to leave.

Acrobat Andrew "Goofy" Saunders voiced what seems to be a prevailing point of view amongst street performers in the city: that they shouldn't be asked to leave, as performing is "part of the city's culture," and "should be embraced."

Tagssubway performers, NYC subway performers, subway performers arrested