Metro News Release
For immediate release: June 19, 2006
Metro Transit Police Target Wireless Users for Crime Prevention Tips
High Ridership Prompts Added Police Outreach
With record-setting crowds on Metro this June, the Metro Transit Police are reaching out to riders with crime prevention information, particularly riders who tune out to music on their portable music players, cell phone conversations or e-mails on their hand-held personal digital assistants (PDAs).
Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) officers will distribute crime prevention information and identification decals for electronic devices to Metrorail riders at the Union Station Metrorail station on June 19 at 11:30 a.m.
The officers are targeting cell phone, MP3 and PDA users because often they are not paying attention to what’s going on around them. MTPD wants to 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.
While at Union Station, Transit Police officers will distribute identification decals for rider 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.
With record-high ridership on the Metro system so far this month, it is particularly important for riders to remain aware of their environment and to report any suspicious behavior to the Metro Transit Police at 202-962-2121 or to any Metro employee. Last week, Metrorail recorded three of its top 10 high ridership days, with more than 774,000 people riding each day.
Though ridership is increasing, crime in the Metro system remains low. There are 1.29 Part I crimes reported for every million Metrorail riders and less than one crime reported for every million Metrobus riders.
During the first five months of 2006, Metro Transit Police have reported 379 Part I crimes down from 434 last year a year ago. Part I crimes as defined by the FBI include homicide, rape, aggravated assault, arson, larceny, burglary, motor vehicle theft and robbery.
Transit Police have reported 125 robberies through May, up slightly from 117 lat year. The increase can be attributed to several factors, including a greater number of riders in the system and a regional trend showing higher rates of robbery.
“With more and more people taking Metro these days, it is important for riders to watch what’s going on around them, especially when they’re using their cell phones and PDAs or listening to music,” said Metro Transit Police Sergeant Warren Donald, who also heads up the Rail Anti-Crime Target Squad (RATS). “We want all of our riders to remain safe and enjoy their ride on Metrorail and Metrobus.”
The Metro Transit Police would like to remind everyone of the following personal safety tips when using riding Metro:
* 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 clutch the item inside a backpack, purse or jacket.
* Avoid talking to strangers, especially in isolated areas.
* If carrying a purse, hold it tightly, and 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.
News release issued on June 19, 2006.