Unsuck DC Metro: Theft Problem on Metro Nothing New

Friday, February 25, 2011

Theft Problem on Metro Nothing New

The rise in crime on Metro came as no surprise to Unsuck readers. The trend was apparent back in January.

Thing is, the trend was also apparent a year ago, when robberies were up 54 percent and Metro made the above video and issued this press release about how they were going to combat theft.

Doesn't seem like those efforts, if they really even happened, helped at all.

From anonymous:

I thought I’d share my wife’s experience yesterday morning. She was on a Red Line train at about 9.30 a.m., when a youth gang perpetrated a brazen and well-planned attack on the Metro car while sitting at Takoma station.

To begin with, a simulated fight broke out as a distraction. Then, right before the doors closed, other gang members physically wrestled smart phones (Droids, iPhones) from people’s hands and fled.

One gentleman was thrown to the floor as he was robbed. My wife’s arms were grabbed by an assailant as he wrestled her iPhone from both her hands. My wife thought at least four people were robbed.

My wife took advantage of the car doors not closing first time and, along with a male victim, chased the after perpetrators along the platform, raising a hue and cry.

The station operator saw all this on the cameras and alerted the police, who responded fairly quickly.

But the gang jumped the barriers and escaped.

Be careful out there.

Other items:
Students' use of Metro may be restricted (WaPo)
Outgoing Board chair calls Metro a jewel of the U.S. (WMAL)
America's smart cities for transit not very smart (Fast Company)

Comments (66)

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+19 Vote up Vote down

KWM · 735 weeks ago

When I moved here 15 years ago, Metro was this world class system you could feel safe on. Now it's anything but. I think I like the idea they mentioned on the news this morning to restrict the free student passes to work only during school hours. Why should these little knuckleheads get to ride for free AND rob me? Of course, they're just going to jump the barriers... Oh well.

4 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

+5 Vote up Vote down

Ever and Anon · 735 weeks ago

I saw that video and it is SUCH a joke. Most of those kids are causing the violence right after school hours, not at night. So the passes only provide easier access for violence during their regular violence hours.

0 Vote up Vote down

Anon · 735 weeks ago

I have seen where a certain race of Transit officers just let a certain race of "bad kids" go. That is the problem.
I say make ALL school kids pay like any other student !
"Free for alls" cause a caotic enviornments. Look how much money Metro is loosing out on!
I agree that theft on Metro Property has always been a problem but Transit marks it "UNFOUNDED" and they don't fingerprint.

+2 Vote up Vote down

bet · 735 weeks ago

Hey!!! When will the riding public understand Metro is restitution program.
I don't ride with the sloths anymore.
I don't believe in slavery but these workers are considered slaves to "Jeter". She did not even make sure they had safety masks, bathroom breaks, while each Union member pays $53.35 dollars to her a month X 10,000 employees.
WOW what salary does Jeter and her husband bring home a year?
Probably $200,000.00 a year plus trips, vac., sick leave etc.

Did you know that salary is added to their retiarments. WOW!

+1 Vote up Vote down

anonymous · 735 weeks ago

Hey acting Chief- Why not post a Video where a youngon is snatching an ipod or something?
Really!
This Video is Unbelievable and a Poor reenactment!
Really!
I would hate to see any other Videos they force employees to view.
Really!

+21 Vote up Vote down

Sick of it! · 735 weeks ago

Haha, the beginning of the video is not exactly accurate. Seriously, a white guy in a suit ripping of a young black person? Yeah right!

5 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

-13 Vote up Vote down

Corresponding Toads · 735 weeks ago

Haha, I love when people make everything a race issue. Yeah right!

+17 Vote up Vote down

James · 735 weeks ago

Well, in my experience, I've never personally witnessed an assault or theft on Metro perpetrated by anyone other than African American teenagers. It's not a 'race issue,' it's calling a spade, a spade.

+6 Vote up Vote down

Ever and Anon · 735 weeks ago

Good point. Race is not the issue. Age, however, I think is an issue. I don't see the gray haired types going violently nuts but I do see teenagers doing it... Does that make me an age-ist?

+6 Vote up Vote down

James · 735 weeks ago

I don't think race is 'the' issue, but it certainly is 'an' issue.

+1 Vote up Vote down

Guest · 734 weeks ago

I'm waiting for their video depicting McGruff assaulting a Metro Bus driver.

+8 Vote up Vote down

Sizzle · 735 weeks ago

Ugh. I go through Takoma every day. It's tempting, but I never take my Droid out of my pocket while I'm on the Metro. I've seen a few people get their iPhones/smart phones snatched and they're not going to target you if they don't know you have one...

4 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

+4 Vote up Vote down

greenliner · 735 weeks ago

exactly. you can survive a 30 minute (on a good day) metro trip without your ipod, e-mail, video game, etc. i have a cell phone and an ipod. both stay out of sight until i'm in my car.

+4 Vote up Vote down

M.B. · 735 weeks ago

You shouldn't have to survive 30 minutes without your electronics that you work hard to afford. These little brats need to be dealt with appropriately.

+1 Vote up Vote down

WTF · 734 weeks ago

Until the sheep start arming themselves and responding in kind, they won't be "dealt with appropriately"

+4 Vote up Vote down

Anon · 735 weeks ago

The Person who made this video was black and does not want to face the facts not depict "his brothers" as criminals. HA! shame on you acting Chief!

White man in suit has a job! These scum hoodlums do not! We see them on videos and while riding metro.

America these these Metro riding, grabbing electronic devices, FOOLS ARE NOT in BUSINESS SUITS!!!!!!!

+16 Vote up Vote down

VA commuter · 735 weeks ago

Aside from the robberies themselves, what's especially disturbing to me is that this happened basically in broad daylight at 9:30 AM on a weekday.

+5 Vote up Vote down

Doc · 735 weeks ago

people need to randomly take pictures so when this crap happens at least maybe the wantabe cops can find these little punks. If you see a bunch of thugs take there pic.they'll leave you alone..

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

+5 Vote up Vote down

DcRider · 735 weeks ago

Wantabe Cops?

+7 Vote up Vote down

Todd · 735 weeks ago

but if people take pictures with their cell phones and the phones are stolen, then what?

3 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

-2 Vote up Vote down

Kara · 735 weeks ago

upload it

+2 Vote up Vote down

HurricaneDC 76p · 735 weeks ago

If you're lucky, they'll be the type of (really really) stupid criminal that uploads photos of themselves with the stolen goods online.

0 Vote up Vote down

Anon · 735 weeks ago

Purchase a pocket camera with flash from WalMart!

+6 Vote up Vote down

Matt G · 735 weeks ago

Savages! I for one am going to bring some sort of stun gun or mace or something to accost these rapscallions with if they ever try to touch my belongings. As a daily green line rider, I fear it's only a matter of time before I see my next incident.

4 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

+10 Vote up Vote down

Corresponding Toads · 735 weeks ago

great idea!

+2 Vote up Vote down

DCRider · 735 weeks ago

And then YOU will get hemmed up for carrying a concealed weapon...

+6 Vote up Vote down

Frank · 735 weeks ago

Oh, you ride the green line? Yeah, you're screwed.

+6 Vote up Vote down

Matt G · 735 weeks ago

It's true. Metro's recent report of most dangerous stations - I exit at #2, and transfer @ L'Enfant. Southern Avenue, frankly, scares the shit out of me. I've seen more things happen there than anywhere else. It makes Anacostia look like a meadow with flowers.

+4 Vote up Vote down

dan · 735 weeks ago

Do students really get free access to Metro at all times with their passes, or just during school hours? If they get to ride for free the whole time, it sounds like a no-brainer in light of what's been happening to restrict their privileges to ride whenever they feel like it.

Also, I just got from a trip to San Francisco. One thing I noticed about their public transit Metro- surveillance cameras in every car.

4 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

0 Vote up Vote down

Kara · 735 weeks ago

It is too bad any restrictions would still have most of them on there at rush hour. :(

Like metro wanted, I adjusted my schedule so I would not hit 'peak of the peak'. So what happens? More kids than if I had left it alone.

+1 Vote up Vote down

dddddda · 735 weeks ago

It's not exactly free, but heavily discounted.

They can use the passes any time.

The ones using the Metro system as their own small-electronics store would not be deterred by restricted hours, they will just tailgate, jump the gate, or enter through the emergency gate. The ones who use the passes at other times for legitimate purposes (jobs, errands, even to go hang out with friends WITHOUT causing trouble) would be the only ones kept off the system.

0 Vote up Vote down

Guest · 735 weeks ago

The city is proposing that.
http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/dc/2011/02/dc...

+1 Vote up Vote down

bet · 735 weeks ago

Let's post what students in DC do pay! Why do they get to ride weekends and late night with a school pass?

+7 Vote up Vote down

· 735 weeks ago

Higher prices, less safety, more crime, broken everything. Why do I ride again?

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

+8 Vote up Vote down

ANON · 735 weeks ago

Because you believe in slavery of course.

+1 Vote up Vote down

WTF · 734 weeks ago

Because the NIMBYs won't let the road system make sense.

+9 Vote up Vote down

hug · 735 weeks ago

When will the Metro Police do something about the wild, out of control middle aged professionals??? Enough is enough!

+3 Vote up Vote down

hrh king friday 13 · 735 weeks ago

I thought we were promised K-9 units.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

+4 Vote up Vote down

Kara · 735 weeks ago

The dogs are at the bag searches .... don't you feel *much* safer?

+2 Vote up Vote down

Kara · 735 weeks ago

Look at the sign behind him .... someone forgot to remove the green fare increase sticker. :)

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

+3 Vote up Vote down

Guest · 735 weeks ago

Why don't these thugs apply for a job at Metro? Ms Jeter will keep em in a job! Ha!

-3 Vote up Vote down

dan · 735 weeks ago

SORRY FOR THE CAPS BUT I JUST WANT TO KNOW AND MY LAST POST GOT IGNORED...

Do students really get free access to Metro at all times with their passes, or just during school hours? If they get to ride for free the whole time, it sounds like a no-brainer in light of what's been happening to restrict their privileges to ride whenever they feel like it.

AN AUTHORATATIVE RESPONSE WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

5 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

+10 Vote up Vote down

Corresponding Toads · 735 weeks ago

YOUR CAPS HAVE BEEN DULY NOTED.

-1 Vote up Vote down

Kipp · 735 weeks ago

Bwahahah!! Toads, you really are amusing most of the time, and insulting slightly less than most of the time... You're like a lot of my old high school "friends."

+2 Vote up Vote down

Corresponding Toads · 735 weeks ago

yo Kipp that's impossible - I didn't have any friends in high school!!

lol jk I was da popular kid with all da ladies. they were always makin me french toast and buying me expensive giftz. needless to say, the toads were definitely corresponding.

also - ladies - it's rude to stare on metro. I appreciate the attention, but it gets creepy sometimes. if you want my number, all you gotta do is ask! even toads use cell phones :)

0 Vote up Vote down

@DC_Chickie · 735 weeks ago

dddddda answered. Look between your previous post and your current post.

+1 Vote up Vote down

Brian · 734 weeks ago

A monthly student pass is $30 and is good for rides in DC during all hours metro is open.

So kids have no barrier to getting on Metro anytime to do anything.

Making everyone pay to ride during non-school hours gives them some "skin" in the game.

0 Vote up Vote down

basil cronus · 735 weeks ago

People shouldn't really have to hide their iPods, SmartPhones, Gameboys, etc. while on the Metro. The very essence of these devices is to be used during a "train" ride. What better time to put the headphones on, play a game of angry birds, check some emails than when riding on the metro. Obviously if stuff looks like it's gonna go down, put it away. I know we don't live in a perfect world, but jeez. Hopefully they won't start stealing the Express.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

+8 Vote up Vote down

Guest · 735 weeks ago

I always read books on Metro. None of those thugs would ever want to steal a book. (remember that Chris Rock bit?) Although some of them think it's funny to grab someone's book and throw it on the track.

+4 Vote up Vote down

One take · 735 weeks ago

Metro needs to step up security to stop these worsening crimes of robbery and assault being committed by primarily White, Asian, and Hispanic individuals against young African-Americans. The situation is out of control and these innocent ‘students’ are victims who cannot enjoy their free ridership as long as these roving violent groups of White, Asian, and Hispanic individuals continue their criminal behavior.

These White, Asian, and Hispanic individuals committing these crimes obviously must believe in slavery.

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

+2 Vote up Vote down

basil cronus · 735 weeks ago

I see what you did there! hee hee

+2 Vote up Vote down

Anon · 735 weeks ago

I think anyone counting money like that is STUPID!

+2 Vote up Vote down

guest · 735 weeks ago

Look people, it only takes $1.75 to get into the system using a regular ticket. You honestly think that those kids are going to be using those high school cards? Give them some credit.
That small amount of change is a pretty decent investment into acquiring a brand new iPhone 4 and jump the gates to get out. So, NO, the id the student smart trip thing won't work either.
The only way this might work is if, while they jump the gates with their students cards (assuming it is DC students) in their pockets, the reader picks it up, in which case all they have to do is leave the card at home.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

+6 Vote up Vote down

Guest · 735 weeks ago

Most of those kids are probably too stupid to know how to buy a $1.75 ticket.

+2 Vote up Vote down

anon · 735 weeks ago

WOW I thought Mr. and Mrs. Jeter would make a video too! Talking about "You must believe in slavery" .

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

+2 Vote up Vote down

One take · 735 weeks ago

Say what you want….but Jeter looks pretty good for being over 145 years old.

+1 Vote up Vote down

Listen up · 735 weeks ago

When are people going to stop saying the Metro Transit Police need to stop checking bags and start locking up these criminals.......We all know as soon as they lock up some of these thugs all the poor little mother and fathers are going to come asking why you locking up my poor son or daughter,,so then the Chief and all the metro board members are going to get scared and let the stuff continue.....We all know the board runs Metro and they are scared of public opinion,,,so as you all know the kids will still ride for free and rob people until we change the board members minds.......

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

+2 Vote up Vote down

WTF · 734 weeks ago

It's safer for the pigs to stand around and search old ladies' purses than to actually confront thugs.

+4 Vote up Vote down

Ted Williams · 735 weeks ago

These inner city marauders and Metro's inability to do anything about them are contributing heavily to Metro's death spiral. A true pity. I rode Metro on its first day in operation in 1975 and was a regular user for many years -- until now.

Now i drive.

+5 Vote up Vote down

anon · 735 weeks ago

Was that a white guy in a suit stealing from the black girl? I dont think that reflects the reality of metro crime.

+2 Vote up Vote down

One take · 735 weeks ago

A professional older white man is going to steal/rob an African American? This latest PSA from Metro would be laughable if it wasn’t so insulting. It’s almost as if Metro is condoning and encouraging these young violent African Americans who commit these crimes; while the parents of these thugs feign outrage at the victimization of their dear children; while hoping and praying for a class action pay day.

I can’t wait for people to cry out and accuse me of being a ‘racist’. But I check the ‘other’ box for race. You can cry out all you want. It doesn’t change reality – reality isn’t racist. Only people can be in spite of what reality actually is. You justify your accusations of racism just as much as I can justify the very observations I see every single day on metro with REALITY.

3 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

-6 Vote up Vote down

devaldragon 59p · 734 weeks ago

I'm also glad to learn that it's only 'violent African Americans' that are committing these crimes. It would be a waste of time for Metro to watch the behavior of anybody but non African Americans - obviously it's only African Americans that are criminals.

Not only are your comments racist, they're not based in reality. People that steal things from others are not limited to just one race. That's just common sense. And the last time I checked, the prison population is about 62% African American, so there are other races that are criminals.

Oh, yeah, and I"m white. And I live in reality too...

+1 Vote up Vote down

One take · 734 weeks ago

I believe I chose to use terminology such as ‘these’; meaning to refer specifically to only the individuals who are committing these crimes on Metro and that the video depiction was ridiculous. Inversely it is your argument that is based on generalizations. To continue where did I claim that people who steal things from others are limited to one race; meaning African American? Your statistical research into the demographic of the US prison population, while impressive wasn’t really part of the discussion.

Please find a report where a professional middle aged white man threatened, assaulted and robbed an African American person on Metro; while the inverse is true every day. This is the reality to which I was referring too and was in fact the point of my post.

Lastly, to clarify for you: But are all African Americans alive today robbing people every day on the Washington Metro? No.

+3 Vote up Vote down

James · 734 weeks ago

How many crimes have you witnessed on the Metro that were perpetrated by someone other than an African American teenager? I'm not trying to be provocative here...I'm just curious about your experience with crime on the Metro.