Protecting Electronics
MTA Police Main Page > Ride Safely
Cell phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), and laptop computers are popular targets for thieves. Most of these items are small, easily hidden, and can be easily turned into cash.
Here are some tips:
- Never leave property unattended. No matter how short a time you will be away from your seat, it will be enough time for a thief to grab your property.
- Record model and serial numbers of laptops, PDAs, and cell phones. If electronics are stolen, they will be easier to trace.
- Be careful when using overhead compartments. Thieves know that briefcases containing cell phones, laptop computers, and PDAs are often locked in stored briefcases. While you're taking a nap, they're taking off with your electronics.
- Don't put your home address on luggage tags on the outside of your briefcase; use a business address if possible. That will make it harder for a thief to parlay a theft into a burglary of your home.
- If you leave an item on a train, check with the railroad's lost and found department.
• MTA Long Island Rail Road - 1-212-643-5228
• MTA Metro-North Railroad - 1-212-340-2555 - If you are the victim of a theft, announce it immediately to let your fellow passengers and railroad employees know that there is a thief in the area. This will increase the chance that the perpetrator will be apprehended and your valuables returned.
- If you think your property has been stolen, notify the MTA Police at 1-888-MTA-911PD (1-888-682-9117) as soon as possible. All reports of stolen property are investigated by the Police Department.
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