Metro News Release
For immediate release: July 19, 2005
Metro Transit Police Department Reports a Dramatic Decrease in Auto Theft
Auto Theft Down 40 Percent In The Last Year
The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) reports automobile theft at Metro parking facilities dropped by 40 percent over the last year as the Transit Police’s Auto Theft Unit continues its ongoing efforts to keep motor vehicles secure throughout the transit system.
Between June 2004 and June 2005, motor vehicle theft decreased 40 percent, attempted motor vehicle theft was down 41 percent, part I serious crime in Metro parking facilities was down 25 percent and part II crime dropped by 6 percent.
"I am extremely proud of the hard work that our Auto Theft Unit has put forth since its inception almost two years ago," said Metro Transit Police Chief Polly Hanson. "Over the last two years, auto theft and thefts from automobiles have been significantly reduced. In the Washington Metropolitan region, auto theft and thefts from automobiles have always been a challenge for law enforcement, and our parking facilities are no exception."
The Metro Transit Police Department implemented a department-wide Auto Theft Unit in August 2003 to focus on reducing parking lot crime including auto thefts from Metro parking lots.
The Auto Theft Unit includes officers in plain clothes, officers on motorcycles, K-9 teams, officers on bicycles, use of portable aerial towers, and Metro employees who are on workers compensation assignments that allow them to work for the Transit Police department as parking lot observers.
"While we are pleased that parking lot crime has decreased, we will continue to focus on additional reductions," said Chief Hanson. "We want our customers to know that we are working hard to reduce auto-related crime, and we will continue our efforts to inform our customers on ways they can prevent auto theft."
The Auto Theft Unit works varied hours and shifts. The Auto Theft Unit also shares information with regional police departments.
To help reduce parking lot crime, the Metro Transit Police offer these suggestions to customers who park at Metro parking facilities:
Lock all doors of the vehicle and roll up the windows.
Do not leave anything of value in the vehicle. If something must be left in the vehicle, it should be locked in the trunk, or out of sight.
Use an anti-theft device such as a steering wheel locking device. This type of layered protection is often a deterrent to would-be thieves.
If you see someone acting in a suspicious manner in a Metro parking lot, go directly to the Metro station and tell the station manager. Provide a description of the individual(s) to the station manager, who will immediately notify Metro Transit Police. Or call the Metro Transit Police directly at 202-962-2121.
In addition to the decrease in auto theft, the Transit Police reported other areas of crime that decreased over the last year: a 24 percent reduction in aggravated assault; a 19 percent reduction in larceny; a 23 percent reduction in the number of fare evasions; and a 15 percent reduction in the number of arrests.
News release issued on July 19, 2005.