CTA: Cameras on trains led to drop in crime

CHICAGO — All those new surveillance cameras on CTA buses and trains have led to increased arrests and fewer crimes.

In a press release Friday, CTA President Forrest Claypool said the cameras have helped in the arrest of 134 people since Jan. 1.

He said the number of robberies that occurred between January and September of this year is down 25 percent from last year.

Overall violent crimes are down 23 percent in that same period.

In one recent case, Chicago police broke up a ring of pickpockets on the CTA's Red Line after capturing the incidents on video.

Chicago police Superintendent Garry McCarthy said the cameras have created a safer environment for commuters.

The number of cameras on CTA's rail system more than doubled since June 2011, to more than 3,600.