Metro News Release
For immediate release: March 11, 2010
Metro Transit Police address rising rate of robberies
Thieves target smart phones and MP3 players
The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) has a multi-pronged strategy to address an increase in robberies in the Metro system including stepped-up enforcement efforts and raising public awareness.
“As we see more and more people using cell phones and portable music players in use, we also are seeing more thefts of these types of devices,” said Metro Transit Police Acting Chief Jeri Lee. “These types of crimes are often crimes of opportunity.”
Thieves spot riders who are sitting or standing near the doors with their phones or music players in hand. After the train doors open, a thief will grab the device from the victim’s hand and run out just as the train doors close.
To educate riders about how to protect themselves and their property MTPD has expanded its public awareness campaign. Information specifically related to the thefts of small, electronic devices is available online, in print and through the public address system in stations.
A new video posted online demonstrates just how quick and easy it is for a thief to snatch a phone and getaway. Later this month, a new ad, “Thefts of electronic devices are on the rise,” will begin showing up on rail cars, buses and in rail stations. The video and ad supplement existing efforts such as the public safety announcement broadcast throughout the Metrorail system reminding riders to keep their electronic devices concealed. Crime prevention tips also are on the home page of the Metro Web site and a flyer with tips on protecting electronic devices is currently being distributed by officers to riders using cell phones or listening to music players.
“We’re taking aggressive steps to reduce robberies and arrest suspects, but we also are asking our riders to take easy, common-sense steps to reduce their chances of becoming a target for thieves,” Lee said. “Pay attention to your surroundings. Keep your phones and music players concealed. And don’t stand near the doors.”
The transit system has seen an increase in robberies recently. In 2009, there were 894 robberies reported, up from 581 reported robberies in 2008. In January, there were 122 reported robberies. Metro Transit Police officers made 142 arrests in January, including 19 robbery-related arrests.
In response to the rising rate of robberies, MTPD has increased the number of uniformed officers at busy stations and doubled the number of members on its robbery suppression team. The robbery unit works mainly in plainclothes and in conjunction with officers on regular patrol to target specific locations, stop crimes in progress and arrest suspects.
Additional steps MTPD is taking to address crime in the Metro system include developing a more robust computer statistics system to better analyze crime trends, assigning additional officers to monitor security cameras and installing exterior station surveillance cameras at all Metro station entrances.
MTPD emphasizes the importance of remaining aware and alert at all times, and protecting personal belongings such as phones, music players, purse and wallets while traveling on Metro 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 the volume of your music player at a low to moderate level so that you can hear what’s going on around you.
• When using an electronic device, avoid sitting or standing near doors of rail cars or buses.
• Report any suspicious activity to a Metro employee or call the Metro Transit Police at 202-962-2121.
• Visit http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/transit_police/robberyPrevention.cfm for more crime prevention information.
News release issued at 3:14 pm, March 11, 2010.