Major crime decreased 34 percent compared to SEPTA

PHILADELPHIA – SEPTA is reporting another significant decrease in serious crimes across its system.

SEPTA's Transit Police Department said Thursday that in the first three quarters of 2024, the number of serious crimes in its system fell 34 percent.

This decline is compared to 2023 statistics.

At the same time, SEPTA Transit Police exceed the national average when it comes to identifying and apprehending suspects of serious crimes.

The most violent crimes, including aggravated assault and robbery, fell by 38 percent, with aggravated assault falling from 89 to 69 and robberies from 185 to 97. The number of shootings in the system fell 31 percent.

The violent crime rate per 1 million trips is 1.1.

“SEPTA Transit Police has a tremendous impact on safety throughout the system,” said Leslie S. Richards, SEPTA CEO and general manager. “Despite financial constraints, we are committed to recruiting and retaining talented police officers and providing them with the resources they need to protect our customers and employees.”

When a serious criminal incident occurs on SEPTA, the perpetrators are held accountable. Transit police made arrests in 57 percent of violent crime cases, 20 percent more than the national average.

The clearance rate for critical incidents, including shootings and stabbings, is 92 percent, meaning 23 of 25 cases resulted in arrests.

“This data is evidence that if you commit a crime on SEPTA, you should expect to be caught,” said Charles Lawson, SEPTA transit police chief. “With over 30,000 cameras across the system, a virtual patrol unit monitoring live video feeds, and an increase in visible patrols at stations and vehicles, we can detect incidents earlier, dispatch officers more quickly and share information in real time to apprehend offenders.”

SEPTA said it plans to continue hiring more officers, including exceeding budgeted transit police staffing levels, to improve safety. Transit police have the most sworn officers in more than a decade.

Last month, SEPTA expanded its anti-fare evasion program following a successful pilot at the 69th Street Transportation Center. The SEPTA board approved the purchase of 100 full-length gates at nine additional stations.