Emanuel Credits Increase in Cameras for Crime on CTA Dropping by 25 Percent

Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined Chicago Transit Authority president Dorval R. Carter, Jr. Wednesday morning to announce significant progress in the fight against crime for commuters.

Crime on the CTA has dropped by a massive 25 percent drop for travelers in the last year, Emanuel said, giving a lot of credit to the CTA’s security system that added thousands of new cameras.

In the last year, CTA robberies fell by 22 percent, statistics show, and thefts were down by 19 percent.

There were 3,512 criminal incidents reported on CTA property last year, according to transit officials, compared to 4,691 in 2014.

"This is proof that many criminals have gotten the message," Carter said. "If you commit a crime on CTA property, you will be caught."

In the last year, CTA robberies fell by 22 percent, statistics show, and thefts were down by 19 percent. NBC 5’s Lauren Petty reports.

The transit agency says there are 23,000 security cameras on trains and buses as well as CTA platforms and stations. 

The new numbers are good news for the riders, who took 513 million trips last year on the CTA. Officials believe the surplus of cameras on the trains, buses and platforms are helping people track down criminals who are targeting riders.

More than 250 people were arrested as a result of their picture being taken on trains last year, the Chicago Tribune reports, which an increase of 8 percent from 2014.

"It's harder when you get caught in these things and there is no proof," said rider Ava Skyers. "As long as there is a security system in place it makes women feel a little more comfortable."

 
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The CTA says overall crime is down on trains & buses. What do you think? How do you feel about riding the CTA?

Posted by Lauren Petty on Wednesday, January 27, 2016
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