'T' Police Using Female Decoys To Snag Gropers
Campaign Targets Sex Assaults On Subways
POSTED: 6:14 am EDT March 20,
2008
UPDATED: 5:33 pm EDT March 20,
2008
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BOSTON -- MBTA police are using undercover female officers to try to catch gropers who assault women passengers on the subway.
Police On Lookout For MBTA GropersThe decoys are part of an effort to get victims to come forward and report the crimes after they've been grabbed or rubbed on crowded trains and trolleys, the Boston Herald reported."We are going to take some steps to prevent it. And if you can, report it. It's crucial for them to call it in to the transit police and let us know where and when it is happening," said Acting MBTA Police Chief Paul MacMillan.Often, victims are too embarrassed to report the assault or are unsure what may have actually happened, MBTA police officials said."Move away from the individual, get a description of the individual and then report it to the transit police," MacMillan said.In 2006 and 2007, there were 87 incidents of indecent assault and battery investigated by the MBTA. So far this year, there have been 10 incidents reported. Reports show a wide range of attacks, including men who expose and fondle themselves in front of female passengers, to others who grind up against women, grabbing and groping their breasts, buttocks and crotches, the paper said.The MBTA is going to start an ad campaign with the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center to educate passengers and offer tips on how to avoid being victimized.
Police On Lookout For MBTA GropersThe decoys are part of an effort to get victims to come forward and report the crimes after they've been grabbed or rubbed on crowded trains and trolleys, the Boston Herald reported."We are going to take some steps to prevent it. And if you can, report it. It's crucial for them to call it in to the transit police and let us know where and when it is happening," said Acting MBTA Police Chief Paul MacMillan.Often, victims are too embarrassed to report the assault or are unsure what may have actually happened, MBTA police officials said."Move away from the individual, get a description of the individual and then report it to the transit police," MacMillan said.In 2006 and 2007, there were 87 incidents of indecent assault and battery investigated by the MBTA. So far this year, there have been 10 incidents reported. Reports show a wide range of attacks, including men who expose and fondle themselves in front of female passengers, to others who grind up against women, grabbing and groping their breasts, buttocks and crotches, the paper said.The MBTA is going to start an ad campaign with the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center to educate passengers and offer tips on how to avoid being victimized. Copyright 2008 by TheBostonChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
