Metro News Release
For immediate release: October 5, 2009
Metro Transit Police reach out to riders with tips on how to protect themselves from becoming victims of crime
October is Crime Prevention Month
The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) will host a variety of outreach events designed to help keep riders safe and educate them about how to protect themselves and their personal belongings while traveling in the Metro system in observance of Crime Prevention Month, which takes place every October.
Overall, crime remains low in the Metro system. However, Metro Transit Police are working to reduce crimes that do occur on Metro property and are taking advantage of Crime Prevention Month to educate riders about how to travel safely and protect their personal belongings such as electronic devices, bicycles and cars.
Throughout the month, officers will conduct crime prevention and awareness campaigns at stations in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. They will talk with customers about their personal safety, provide brochures on a variety of crime prevention topics and even distribute a limited number of free steering wheel locks in select Metro parking facilities. The outreach activities take place at all times of day, depending on the topic. For example, on Saturday nights, officers will hand out late night travel tips in the midnight hour, and on select days during the morning rush hour, officers will go to parking lots to distribute auto theft prevention tips.
“One crime is one too many and we are always working to reduce crime in our system. We want all riders to be safe and secure while riding Metro,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Michael A. Taborn. “We also ask our riders to take steps to protect themselves and their fellow riders by reporting any suspicious or criminal activity immediately to the Metro Transit Police at 202-962-2121.”
MTPD offers crime prevention information online at http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/transit_police/crime_prev.cfm. MPTD emphasizes the importance of remaining aware and alert at all times, and protecting personal belongings such as phones, music players, purse and wallets and offers the following tips:
• Always be alert of your surroundings and the people around you.
• Carry electronic devices in a pocket or a place where it is not easily seen or easy to reach.
• Keep handbags close to the body.
• Carry wallets inside a coat pocket or front pants pocket.
• Stand near other passengers when waiting for a train or Metrobus when traveling late at night.
Media contact for this news release: Cathy Asato or Steven Taubenkibel at 202-962-1051.
For all other inquiries, please call customer service at 202-637-7000.
News release issued at 12:25 pm, October 5, 2009.