The Metro Transit Police Department is advising riders on the Orange, Silver and Blue lines of a recent trend in robbery snatch incidents during the month of June. Specifically:
- Since the beginning of June, there have been multiple robbery snatches of iPhone 6 devices at stations or aboard trains between Eastern Market and the endpoint stations of New Carrollton and Largo Town Center. Many of these cases are believed to involve the same suspect or group of suspects.
- Many of these incidents occur aboard an Orange, Silver or Blue line train as the train is servicing the station with the doors open. Riders also should exercise caution on station platforms.
- The victim is often using their device when it is snatched out of their hands. The suspects then run off the train and sprint out of the station.
What should I do to protect myself?
- Riders who travel on the Orange, Silver and Blue lines in this area are asked to exercise caution and always maintain awareness of what is happening around them, especially when using high-value electronic devices.
- Don't use your phone near train doors, even when seated.
- Look around frequently if you choose to use your phone on a station platform.
- Don't use your phone on escalators.
- Make sure you have tracking, such as "Find My iPhone," activated. Metro Transit Police will attempt to track your phone if it is stolen, but this can only happen if you have a tracking app active.
What is MTPD doing about this?
First, it is important to know that MTPD detectives are actively pursuing multiple leads, including digital video and other surveilance, and hope to have suspects identified shortly.
MTPD has significantly increased patrols -- aboard trains and at stations -- in this area, using a combination of uniformed, plain clothes, and special operations officers.
