DC: Metro Quarterly Security Report Shows Double-Digit Drop in Crime

Metro's security report for the first quarter of 2014 shows the overall crime rate is down by 31 percent, driven primarily by a significant reduction of three major crimes: robberies, snatches of electronic devices, and bicycle thefts.

The report will be presented this morning to the Metro Board Safety & Security Committee by Metro Transit Police (MTPD) Chief Ron Pavlik.

Among the highlights:

• Snatches of electronic devices were reduced by 42 percent (137 to 79 crimes) in the first quarter, as compared to the same period last year.
• Bicycle thefts were reduced by more than half (56 percent), from 45 crimes in the first quarter of 2013 to 20 stolen bicycles this year.  The reduction is credited to increased customer awareness, prevention programs including free U-lock giveaways, online bike registration, improved intelligence sharing, and undercover investigations.
• A 55 percent reduction in robbery (121 to 55 crimes).

Chief Pavlik thanked Metro riders for their role in reducing crime.  MTPD has asked riders to remain vigilant, keep situational awareness when using mobile devices, avoid using devices near train or bus doors where many robberies occur, and to always use a U-lock when securing bicycles.