Serious crime on SEPTA is down by more than a third in the first half of the year

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Serious crime on SEPTA fell by 37% in the first half of 2024, and the most violent crimes, including aggravated assaults and robberies, fell by nearly half, according to the transit agency.

“A 47% reduction in violent crime over half of the year is a pretty significant achievement,” said SEPTA Police Chief Chuck Lawson.

Aggravated assaults dropped from 71 last year to 50, and robberies fell from 146 to 63.

He believes a push by SEPTA Transit Police to enforce minor offenses, such as smoking, littering and public urination, has led to a drop in serious crime, too.

“Our commitment to enforcing low-level crimes, summary-level crimes on the system, getting somewhat aggressive about that has worked in our favor,” he said. “My strategy is to increase risk. So if individuals are engaging in criminal behavior, then I want them at least assessing the level of risk that they’re going to get caught.”

Ridership is at 70% of pre-pandemic levels. Lawson said having more eyes and ears on the system can only make it safer.

While crime has been falling in Philadelphia overall, Lawson said SEPTA’s drop in crime outpaces the city as a whole.