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Cameras On Cleveland Bus Lead To Drop In Crime

Cleveland RTA bus
Kevin Niedermier
/
WKSU
RTA is seeing less crime on its buses, trains and at its passenger stations.

The installation of video surveillance cameras is credited with a drop in crime on Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority trains, buses and at passenger stations

RTA spokeswoman Linda Krecic says between the first six-months of this year and the first half of last year assaults on drivers dropped from 13 to nine. She says thefts went down as well

“Cell phone thefts were the most significant drop we’ve seen," Krecic said. "There were 98 cell phone thefts in 2014, and that’s down to 48 for the same period in 2015. And we’re seeing the other areas dropping significantly, and we really believe it’s the video surveillance cameras and quick action of our transit police force.”

Krecic says RTA put cameras on all trains, buses and at all the stations in the first half of 2013. She says quality of life crimes like disorderly conduct and open alcohol container were also down during the period. Overall felonious assaults on passengers and drivers remained about the same