Metro Police Crack Down On Crime

Metro transit police has arrested dozens of suspects as part of a crackdown on crime in region's mass transit system, according to information released yesterday. Among those arrested have been bicycle thieves, robbery suspects, and people with illegal drugs and weapons. 

The new tactics were put in place by the Crime Suppression Team last month after a rash of robberies, attacks and sexual assaults at outlying metro station sand even buses.

The measures include sting operations using decoy bicycles like one that resulted in a bicycle thief arrest Tuesday evening at the Prince George's Plaza station on the Green line. Plain clothes Metro Transit Police officers placed a bicycle on the racks at the station, and then watched as the suspect attempted to break the lock before arresting the individual. 

Metro authorities are warning patrons to lock their vehicles before they leave park and ride lots, and to make sure valuables in those vehicles  aren't visible. Robberies typically increase on the system during the holiday season, and officers are advising riders to keep a tight hold on things like smart phones or tablet computers while they're riding Metrobuses or trains.