CTA crime falls more than 25 percent in 2014, city says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Crime is down on the Chicago Transit Authority, according to new numbers from the city.

Serious crimes on buses, trains and at CTA stations are at their lowest level in the past four years. They decreased 26 percent in 2014. Thefts and robberies, the most common crimes, fell 28 percent in the same time period.

The city said increased police patrols and undercover operations contributed to lower crime numbers.

CTA President Forrest Claypool said security cameras were a large contributing factor. More than 23,000 cameras were installed across the transit system. Officials said the cameras helped police identify and arrest around 235 suspects last year - a 12 percent increase from 2013.