San Francisco transit, police officials launch new anticrime campaign

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) recently unveiled a new anticrime and public awareness campaign to remind transit riders to be aware of their surroundings at Muni transit and rail stations, stops and on vehicles.

In addition to the "Eyes Up, Phones Down" public awareness campaign, the SFMTA and SFPD have agreed to increase police presence on the Muni system, officials said in a press release.

The deployment of additional officers already has had a positive impact in its first month: In September 2013, there were 51 reported robberies on the system, which dropped to nine robberies reported in October 2013. In addition, incidents of larceny decreased from 80 reported on the system in September 2013 to 26 reported incidents in October 2013.

"When our riders see an officer on board, it creates the sense of security, while effectively reducing crime throughout the system," said SFMTA Director of Transportation Edward Reiskin. "As the holiday season approaches, we want our customers to stay safe and be alert while using these devices while walking, cycling or riding public transit."
 
The SFMTA’s Transit Fare Inspectors also will be involved in the awareness campaign by distributing information printed on cell phone screen cleaners and safety tip cards. These items will be passed out to customers in stations and on vehicles throughout the system to customers that appear vulnerable to these crimes of opportunity, officials said.