Metro News Release
For immediate release: April 16, 2010
Metro Transit Police remind riders to protect expensive, portable electronics
Ads, video, public announcements warn riders about robberies
The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) reminds riders to protect their expensive and portable electronic devices, and remain aware of their surroundings while traveling in the Metro system.
With new technology and devices such as iPads and Kindles starting to be carried by Metro riders, in addition to already-popular cell phones, music players and electronic games, people are often carrying devices worth hundreds of dollars. The latest gadget, whether it’s a smart phone, portable music player or personal digital assistant are often worth $200 or more and thieves will seize easy opportunities to snatch them.
The types of robberies that Metro Transit Police are currently seeing involve a thief targeting a rider who is sitting or standing near the doors with a phone or music player in hand. After the train doors open, the thief grabs the device from the victim’s hand and runs out just as the train doors close.
“These types of crimes are crimes of opportunity,” said MTPD Deputy Chief Jeff Delinski. “We’re reminding riders to take easy, common-sense steps to reduce their chances of becoming a target for thieves. Pay attention to your surroundings. Keep your phones and music players concealed. And don’t stand near the doors.”
To educate riders about how to protect themselves and their property, a new ad, “Thefts of electronic devices are on the rise,” are appearing on rail cars, buses and in rail stations. The ad depicts a thief ready to snatch a phone out of a rider’s hands and provides tips on how to reduce the chances of becoming a target for thieves.
In addition, MTPD has posted a video online that demonstrates just how quick and easy it is for a thief to snatch a phone and get away. It also has posted tips online about how to protect personal property, broadcasts public safety announcements reminding riders to keep their electronic devices concealed, and distributes flyers with tips on protecting electronic devices to riders using cell phones or listening to music players.
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/crime_prev.cfm for more crime prevention information.
News release issued at 11:29 am, April 16, 2010.