Friday, April 24, 2009

CTA Crime Rates Up Drastically


The other day we posted a blog about a drop in the number of traffic deaths on Illinois roads. Today, the Chicago Sun-Times posted an article that is somewhat related to our blog. They report that from 2006 to 2008, the number of robberies reported on Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains, platforms and buses increased a whopping 77%. The number of thefts has increased by 6%. An example of a theft would be a pickpocket. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate in Illinois hit 9.3% and high gas prices have contributed in seeing ridership on the CTA buses and trains increasing by 6% from 2006 to 2008. Chicago police have responded to these increased numbers by conducting special undercover operations at certain high crime locations at certain peak times. The Chicago Police report that 4,933 arrests occurred in 2008 compared to 4,576 in 2007.

The reason we believe this article is related to Wednesday's post is that it illustrates how economic factors impact our travel habits. When job loses increase along with gas prices, fewer people drive their cars on the roads causing a drop in traffic deaths. Conversely, ridership on our public transportation systems increase causing an increase in crime on trains and buses.

For more information about the Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders, P.C., visit us at www.thelegaldefenders.com or call us anytime at 1-800-228-7295.

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The Legal Defenders, PC

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