BART Violent Crimes: 24 Percent Increase In 2017

BAY AREA — Violent crimes on BART trains and at stations increased 24 percent in 2017, according to crime data released by the agency on Tuesday. The statistics are driven by a 52 percent increase in electronics thefts, mostly cell phones and laptops. The raw numbers - there were 417 electronics thefts in 2017 compared to 271 in 2016.

But BART is quick to point out that the number of arrests is also rising.

“Thanks to the high-quality suspect images we are able to get from the multiple surveillance cameras in all of our train cars, we have been able to more quickly identify suspects and share that information with partner law enforcement agencies,” said BART Police Chief Carlos Rojas. “The word is getting out that BART is not a soft target for these thieves. If you take someone’s cell phone, we have the tools to find you.”

Arrests made by BART police officers increased 40 percent in 2017 compared to the previous year. BART officers made 1,730 arrests in 2017, compared to 1,238 arrests in 2016.

“We’re doing all we can to increase the visible presence of our officers on trains and in stations and we think that effort is making a difference,” said BART Police Chief Carlos Rojas. “We are also utilizing new strategies based on data and crime trends that allow us to deploy our officers in the most effective way possible.”

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BART reports that the increased visibility of its officers led to a decline in bike and vehicle crimes. There were 420 auto thefts reported at BART stations in 2017, compared with 480 the previous year, a 13 percent decline. The decrease in bike thefts was even sharper, 18 percent. The precise number of thefts were 448 in 2017 and 544 the year before.

Besides added patrols, BART has increased the number of high-security racks and opened new bike stations so riders can store their bicycles.

BART is also focusing on fare evasion and issuing prohibition orders against those who have acted violently, sold narcotics, or defaced BART property. “Prohibition orders make BART safer because they are a tool we can use to prevent violent or repeat offenders from being on our property,” said Rojas. “Our data shows 94 percent of those who are issued a prohibition order adhere to it. This shows the system is a safer place with prohibition orders.”

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Rojas is also emphasizing efforts his police force is making going forward. BPD hired 16 new officers in 2017 and recruitment efforts continue. “The Bay Area is a very competitive environment when it comes to officer recruitment,” said Rojas. “The reforms we’ve implemented to the hiring process are paying off by allowing us to recruit more would-be officers without reducing our standards.”

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