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WMATA Crime Alert: Robbery/snatch involving iPhone 6


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#1 CNJRoss

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Posted 19 June 2015 - 01:10 PM

WMATA news release, 6/19:

 

MTPD advises Orange, Blue and Silver line riders of increase in robbery/snatch involving iPhone 6

mtpd-patch.png?                        CRIME ALERT   

 

The Metro Transit Police Department is advising riders on the Orange, Silver and Blue lines of a recent trend in robbery snatch incidents during the month of June. Specifically:

  • Since the beginning of June, there have been multiple robbery snatches of iPhone 6 devices at stations or aboard trains between Eastern Market and the endpoint stations of New Carrollton and Largo Town Center. Many of these cases are believed to involve the same suspect or group of suspects.
  • Many of these incidents occur aboard an Orange, Silver or Blue line train as the train is servicing the station with the doors open. Riders also should exercise caution on station platforms.
  • The victim is often using their device when it is snatched out of their hands. The suspects then run off the train and sprint of the station.
  • The incidents typically happen during afternoon hours, although some have occurred between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. There have been no incidents in the morning hours. The day of the week does not seem to be a factor in this trend. The following cases are believed to be linked:
  • June 16 - 3:10 p.m. - Aboard Orange Line train at Deanwood
  • June 10 - 3:30 p.m. - On platform at Capitol Heights
  • June 9 - 1:30 p.m. - On platform at Eastern Market
  • June 6 - 8 p.m. - On escalator at Benning Road
  • June 3 - 7:25 p.m. - Aboard Orange Line train at Deanwood
  • June 1 - 10:37 p.m. - Aboard Orange Line train at Deanwood

What should I do to protect myself?

  • Riders who travel on the Orange, Silver and Blue lines in this area are asked to exercise caution and always maintain awareness of what is happening around them, especially when using high-value electronic devices.
  • Don't use your phone near train doors, even when seated.
  • Look around frequently if you choose to use your phone on a station platform.
  • Don't use your phone on escalators. 
  • Make sure you have tracking, such as "Find My iPhone," activated. Metro Transit Police will attempt to track your phone if it is stolen, but this can only happen if you have a tracking app active.

What is MTPD doing about this?

  • First, it is important to know that MTPD detectives are actively pursuing multiple leads, including digital video and other surveilance, and hope to have suspects identified shortly.
  • MTPD has significantly increased patrols -- aboard trains and at stations -- in this area, using a combination of uniformed, plain clothes, and special operations officers.
  • We encourage you to report any suspicious activity, including individuals who are observed loitering on station platforms even after a train services the station. You can notify Metro Transit Police by calling (202) 962-2121 or sending a text message to "MyMTPD" (696873).

Video:  Robbery/Snatch - Deanwood 6/1/15

 



#2 CNJRoss

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Posted 02 July 2015 - 12:32 PM

WMATA news release, 7/1:

 

Metro Transit Police arrest juvenile suspect for string of robberies along Blue/Orange/Silver lines

 

Metro Transit Police today arrested a 14-year-old male District resident on charges stemming from six robberies along the Blue, Orange and Silver lines.

 

The six robberies took place aboard trains and in stations between May 27 and June 15, and caused MTPD to issue a public alert to customers encouraging vigilance.

 

Below are the dates, times and locations of the six robberies for which charges were filed today:

  • May 27, 2015 11:15 p.m. at Minnesota Avenue
  • May 31, 2015 9:42 p.m. at Eastern Market
  • June 1, 2015 10:10 p.m. at Deanwood
  • June 9, 2015 1:30 p.m. at Eastern Market
  • June 12, 2015 at 10:50 p.m. at Benning Road
  • June 15, 2015 at 3:10 p.m. at Deanwood

All of the robberies involved iPhone 6 devices. MTPD detectives used video evidence to identify and charge the suspect.

 

The juvenile will face the charges in the District of Columbia. The investigation is ongoing to determine whether the suspect can be positively linked to any other cases.






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