Metro says crime on the transit system dropped to a five-year low in the first half of 2014 after significant decreases in cell phone thefts, bicycle thefts and robberies.
Cell phone theft was down 49 percent, bicycle theft down 35 percent and robberies down 43 percent, during the first half of the year, according to Metro.
Metro Transit Police attributed the declines to publicizing cell phone theft videos, increased customer outreach efforts and distribution of free U-locks to bicycle riders.
“While I recognize that one crime is one too many,” said Metro Police Chief Ronald Pavlik, in a statement, “today’s news is an opportunity to thank our officers for their hard work, as well as our customers for their awareness and vigilance.”
The transit operator reported a 31.6 percent drop in Part 1 crimes from January through June compared to the same period last year. Part 1 crimes, or serious crimes, are defined by the FBI as homicides, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, larcenies, arsons and motor vehicle thefts.