Metro News Release
For immediate release: February 1, 2007
Robbery arrests by Metro Transit Police increase
Increased attention to robberies in the Metro system resulted in the arrest of 21 robbery suspects in less than two months.
To address the rising rate of robberies throughout the region last year, the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) established a special robbery detail in December—a time when it gets darker earlier when criminals use darkness to their advantage and the traditional holiday season when people tend to carry more cash and packages.
Through the analysis of crime trends throughout the Metro system and the region, the specialized unit has effectively targeted specific locations for crime, which resulted in the high rate of arrests.
“We started the detail to tackle the rising rates of robberies not only in our system but in the region. We are extremely proud of the work of our robbery detail and will continue our efforts to keep Metro riders safe,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Polly Hanson. “We also will continue to reach out to and educate our customers about how to protect themselves from becoming victims of crime.”
The Transit Police will continue its robbery detail in 2007 and the officers assigned to the special detail will work in conjunction with MTPD patrol officers. In addition, last year an MTPD officer joined the Regional Robbery Task Force and continues to participate with that group that shares information to tackle crime across the region.
While crime remains low in the Metro system, Metro did see an increase in robberies last year. In 2006, there were 352 robberies reported, about a 6 percent increase from the 332 robberies recorded in 2005. So far this year, there have been 19 robberies.
The Metro Transit Police offer a wealth of crime prevention information and tips to help Metro riders protect themselves through various outreach events and on the department’s Web site. Visit www.wmata.com/about/mtpd/default.cfm to download tips on late night and safe travel, and preventing auto theft.
MTPD officers also are continuing crime prevention outreach campaigns. At 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, officers will be at the Congress Heights Metrorail station to distribute crime prevention information particularly to riders who tune in to their portable music players, use cell phones or send e-mail on their hand-held personal digital assistants because often they are not paying attention to what’s going on around them.
In 2006, Metro riders reported thefts of 32 iPods and 86 cell phones. So far this year, Transit Police have taken reports for six stolen iPods and three stolen cell phones.
During the outreach sessions, Transit Police officers will distribute free identification decals for riders to affix to their electronic devices. After placing the decals on their electronic devices, riders need to register them in a national database. This system will make it easier to track or recover a lost or stolen item.
The Transit Police have been successful in returning stolen or lost electronic devices to owners who have registered or placed some kind of identifying mark on them.
The Metro Transit Police emphasize the importance of remaining aware and alert at all times, and protecting personal belongings such as phones, music players, purses and wallets while traveling on Metro, and offer the following personal safety tips:
• Always be alert of your surroundings and the people around you.
• If using an electronic device, such as a cell phone, MP-3 or portable music player, please use the device at a low to moderate decibel level.
• If using an MP-3, or portable music player, use black headphones instead of white headphones to make them less noticeable and try to carry the item inside a backpack, purse or jacket.
• If carrying a purse, hold it close to your body.
• If carrying a wallet, keep it in your front pocket.
• If you notice unusual behavior, unattended packages or anything that seems suspicious, call the Metro Transit Police at 202-962-2121 or tell a Metro employee.
For more crime prevention tips, visit the Transit Police section of Metro’s Web site at www.wmata.com/about/mtpd/crime_prevention.cfm.
News release issued at 12:00 am, February 1, 2007.