CTA crime down more than 34 percent, new city data says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Riders of the Chicago Transit Authority are apparently safer this year after statistics reveal a big drop in crime on commuters.

According to a new report, violent crime has fallen more than 30 percent in the first six months of this year compared to last year.

During the first six months of this year, serious crime on CTA trains and buses dropped more than 34 percent, compared to the same time period last year.

Both transit officials and Mayor Rahm Emanuel attribute the decline to a vast network of more than 23-thousand surveillance cameras.

"No matter where you go on the CTA system, there are 23,000 eyes on you," said CTA President Forrest Claypool said.

They made the announcement at the Roosevelt stop on the Orange Line, where at least four passengers were robbed of cash and electronic items nearly two weeks ago.

The CTA's surveillance cameras are credited in part with helping the police department to make an arrest against 20-year-old Michael Taylor, of Chicago, one of the suspected offenders in the Orange Line robbery.

Michael Taylor, 20. (Chicago Police Department)

"Cameras have again and again led to apprehension and arrest of offenders who might not have otherwise been caught, if not for the cameras," Claypool said.

According to the CTA, robberies are down 35 percent and thefts are down 18 percent. But whether the CTA is noticeably safer depends on the riders you talk to.

"The cameras are there and you can see policeman on the platform, so that helps a lot," CTA rider Christine Lee said.

"I think the CTA could use more people patrolling the platforms, especially at night," said CTA rider Shimoni Vashi. "They don't have a lot of people walking around."

"Cameras may help police catch who does the crime, but does it stop crime, I don't think it is," CTA rider Ian Duffy said.

Emanuel says cameras are helping to deter would-be criminals, but making the CTA safer is an ongoing effort.

"We have a lot of work ahead, but we have invested in technology, police and results show that, but I'm not going to rest there," the mayor said.

The CTA also says that crimes involving assaults and battery are down as well.