Sacramento transit agency logs 11 percent decrease in crime

In 2015, crime on the Sacramento Regional Transit District's (RT) system decreased for the second year in a row, the agency announced Monday.

Out of the 26 million trips taken last year, a total of 60 thefts occurred on trains, buses or at stations — an 11 percent decrease compared with thefts in 2014, SacRT officials said in a press release.

Photo: Sacramento Regional Transit District

Additionally, SacRT's police force had a 46 percent arrest rate when thefts did occur last year.

The agency has experienced a 35 percent reduction in these crimes since 2013, when 92 thefts were reported.

The lower crime numbers and high arrest clearance rate can be attributed partially to SacRT's surveillance camera system at stations and on trains and buses, agency officials said. SacRT's police officers also are following up on all theft incidents, which has resulted in quicker identification of suspects and ending their crimes sooner.

This year, SacRT plans to debut a new reporting phone app that will make it easier for passengers to report nuisance behavior, crime and facility problems. The agency's police force also will increase fare inspections and enforcement of new rules and ordinances.

To read how several transit agencies nationwide are bolstering security, follow this link to Progressive Railroading's January cover story.