LA Metro saw 65% increase in crime in first three months of 2024 – NBC Los Angeles

According to new data, the total number of crimes in the LA Metro system increased by more than 65% in the first three months of 2024.

The latest public safety report showed that there were 1,719 crimes, including non-violent incidents, between January and March 2024. During the same period in 2023, 1,034 incidents were reported.

Trespassing appears to be the most commonly committed crime, with 844 cases of trespassing in the three-month period.

With 212 incidents, more narcotics were discovered and the number of thefts also increased.

However, the number of violent and serious crimes appears to be decreasing, the report says.

In 2024, there were 40 fewer assault cases in the LA Metro. The number of robberies also fell by over 40%.

While the latest report did not reflect recent incidents, there were at least seven confirmed violent incidents in the month of May, the most in any month so far this year.

As more and more subway passengers and operators have become victims of violence, the Los Angeles Metro Administration plans to send more uniformed officers back to the platforms and bus stops.

“We will begin with an increase to reduce that increase,” said Ara Najarian, a longtime Metro board member and Glendale City Council member.

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LA Metro officials are also looking for new solutions to remove homeless people and people with mental illness from the transit system, Najarian said.

“(We need to) help get these people to where they can get the help they need and deal with these demons,” he explained.

With the transit system reporting an increase in trespassing, officials also wanted to ensure that every rider paid the fare. It is estimated that two thirds of all drivers do not pay for their trip.

“All of the people involved in these incidents avoided paying the fare, so that will change,” Najarian said.