At the beginning of the year, Metro was facing serious criticism for a spike in crime that had reached a five-year high. But just six months later, the transit agency seems to have reversed the trend.
A new crime report out this week shows violent crimes during the first half of 2011 are down 10 percent from last year. And part I crimes – aggravated assault, burglary, homicide, larceny, vehicle thefts, rape and robbery – from April to June of this year are at their lowest levels since 2009.
The area that has seen the most improvement is thefts from vehicles. After a total of 93 cases last year between April and June, only 30 cases occurred this summer. On the other hand, aggravated assaults are up slightly from last year.
The transit system also got good marks when it comes to homeland security. Metro Transit police received a score of 97 percent on the Baseline Assessment and Security Enhancement Review, a test conducted by the TSA that looks at 17 areas security and emergency preparedness initiatives.
The report also listed the top stations for crime across the system to date. The Suitland and Deanwood stations top the list with 30 crimes from April to June this year. Those stations are followed closely by Gallery Place, Largo Town Center, L’Enfant Plaza and Minnesota Avenue.
For the full report and a complete list of how the stations ranked click here.
