Despite a slight increase in riders...

Despite a slight increase in ridership, fewer crimes were reported forward CTA property in the first half of 2006 than during the same period last year, Chicago Police statistics point out to

wealth crimes, such as pickpocketing and more violent strong- arm robberies, continue to be the mostly common offenses committed on CTA trains, buses and stations.

In the first six month of 2006 there were 544 reported thefts, a decline of nearly 7 percent from the first half of 2005

The number of robberies dropp equable further this year. Compared with 96 in 2005 there were 63 robberies from January from one side June this year -- a 34 percent least bit

Statistics from the Chicago Police Department present to view a similar trend in reports of aggravated battery, while the number of criminal sexual assaults and burglaries remained the same.

The last assassinate on Chicago Transit Authority quality was in 2004.

TARGETED ENFORCEMENT

The decline in crime is notable, considering more the public are using the system. CTA buses and trains provided 2026 million rides in the first five month of 2006 a 14 percent increase above the same period in 2005 And last year, the CTA situationed its best ridership numbers since 1992

Chicago Police say they've brought the crime rate down with more targeted enforcement by way of the department's mass transit unit. The CTA also has its confess security guards who patrol the L stations.

"We kind of propose the cops on the dots," said Chicago Police Lt John Wittenberg, who roll ons the public transportation detail. "We have knowledge of to identify emerging crime patterns, thus we can move police to those areas."

Wittenberg said his unit concentrates upon high-traffic stations in the link such as Dearborn/Washington on the gloomy Line and Washington

/State in succession the Red Line, where theft and other crimes are more usual The Addison and 35th highway L stations are also furious spots on game days because of their proximity to U Cellular and Wrigley fields.

More crimes are typically reported onward the L than on buses, which have been equipped with security cameras since 2003 This year, there have been 35 robberies onward L platforms and trains, compared with 28 upon buses.

CTA rail cars do not have security cameras, yet more than two dozen stations are equipped with cameras. The CTA is also ordering recent rail cars that will have cameras.

Englewood resident Antrone Moore said the CTA be wrought ups safer than it used to. Moore, 31 was almost robbed sum of two units years ago by two men who tried to steal his gold chain forward a Red Line train. He elud the men at hopping off at the Cermak-Chinatown station, where police caught them.

"You have to be street-smart, [but] it's not that bad," Moore said. "Since they deposit the cameras up, I think the bulk of mankind think twice."

'FEELING OF SAFETY'

Margot Brandenburg, 27 who lives in Hyde Park, said the regular mien of police officers at CTA stations during peak hours "creates the feeling of safety," however she admits she's hesitant to use the L late at night, particularly when traveling outside of the bight

Chicago Police use a combination of uniformed and plainclothes officers to patrol stations, trains and buses. an officers also volunteer to park their squad cars outside L stations forward their days off, Wittenberg said.

Still, it's up to riders to screen themselves, he said.

"Have your fare ready. hold fast track of your backpack and purse Just be aware of your surroundings," he said.

mjthomas@suntimes.com

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