Metro News Release
For immediate release: January 30, 2015
Metro Transit Police report shows significant drop in major crime last year
Crime drops to lowest level in more than 5 years
Serious crime on Metro remains at a five-year low, Metro Transit Police announced in its 2014 annual security report. In 2014, Part I crime was down 27 percent or about 5.2 crimes per million riders compared to the same 12-month period in 2013.
Transit Police attributed the reduction – which includes Metrobus, Metrorail and parking lots – to multiple factors, including increased customer awareness and outreach, data-driven officer deployment tactics, improvements in technology and intelligence sharing with law enforcement partners.
The drop in serious crime overall continues to be driven by significant reductions in three areas:
- Snatch theft of mobile devices – down 52 percent
- Bicycle theft – down 22 percent
- Robberies – down 35 percent
Additionally, sexual harassment complaints were down 13 percent in 2014.
“I am pleased that our efforts last year resulted in a significant reduction in crime,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Ronald Pavlik. “While we must still remain vigilant and never forget that one crime is one too many, it is important to thank our officers for their hard work, as well as Metro's employees and customers for being part of the solution."
In the last 12 months, MTPD's Criminal Investigations Division has successfully closed several major cases, including:
- Arrest of suspect wanted for Dec. 7 New Carrollton carjacking
- Arrest of suspect wanted for Vienna armed carjacking/abduction
- 24-year old suspect charged with bias-motivated assault with deadly weapon following stabbing aboard Green Line train
- Arrest of alleged "cell phone flasher"
- Arrest made in violent assault aboard Green Line train
- Suspect arrested for exposing himself to 8-year-old girl
- Suspect arrested in connection with Rockville stabbing
In addition, MTPD detectives have closed two recent cases:
- Successful arrest in shooting of two passengers aboard an X2 Metrobus
- Two arrested for stabbing at Morgan Blvd Station
Transit Police have encouraged Metro riders to be part of the solution to drive down crime. For example, Metro Transit Police have made it easier for riders to report unattended items, panhandling, solicitation and suspicious activity by launching a new Text Tips program. Riders can send a text message to “MyMTPD” (696873) to reach the Transit Police Communications Center 24 hours a day.
To combat bike theft, transit police have also created an online registration program and distributed more than 500 free U-locks to riders who had been using inadequate chain or cable locks. In addition, transit police are using plain clothes officers and high-definition cameras to monitor bike racks for theft.
Part I crime, or “major” crime is designated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to include eight specific crimes: homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft and arson.
5-Year Part I Metro Crime Comparison
- 2010 – 2,270
- 2011 – 1,898
- 2012 – 1,984
- 2013 – 2,128
- 2014 – 1,557
News release issued at 1:42 pm, January 30, 2015.