Newsday is reporting that the crime rate on the Long Island Rail Road last year reached its highest point in at least 18 years, with assaults nearly doubling from the previous year, including more attacks on railroad employees.
MTA Police officials have said the rise in assaults is due, in part, to increased police presence on trains, which can lead to more frequent confrontations with riders.
There was also a significant increase in burglaries many of which police have attributed to riders not minding their belongings.
LIRR crime rate hits 18-year high
The Long Island Rail Road logo is shown on the side of a LIRR commuter train (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
