METRO and Crime Stoppers team together to combat copycat terrorist activities

In what is believed to be the first such partnership of Its kind. Metro and Crime Stoppers announced today a joint partnership to proactively deter future terrorist acts against this regions public transit system.

Following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks against the United States and since October 13, Metro has seen close to 30 copycat anthrax-type scares on its buses and property. While all the powdery substances left aboard Metro buses or at Metro facilities have proven harmless, these threats have inconvenienced bus patrons and cost hours of law enforcement and emergency personnel time.

Metro and Crime Stoppers are asking the community to help ensure public transportation remains safe by reporting any suspicious activity to 713-222-TIPS. Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards up to $5,000 for felony crimes, and under this new partnership is guaranteeing a reward of $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and charging of those committing terrorist acts on Metro property.

Marketing materials in both English and Spanish encouraging patrons to “Stop Crime” are being put on all Metro buses, trolleys and MetroLift vehicles, as well as at all Park & Ride lots and Transit Centers. Fliers are being distributed to bus riders. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office are working with Metro and Crime Stoppers to prosecute offenders.

“Riders need to feel safe when they’re using public transportation – and need to know we don’t tolerate those who make threats against our patrons or our employees,” said Metro President & CEO Shirley A. DeLibero. “All of us, together, must ensure that in these extraordinary times we can go about our ordinary lives in a safe way. What better community partnership than buses full of eyes and ears to help stop crime.”

“This is the first proactive measure taken by a mass transit authority and Crime Stoppers to deter copycat terrorism,” said Crime Stoppers Executive Director Kim Ogg. “Those who ride transit because they want to or because they have to should not suffer because of cowards who threaten bioterrorism – real or fake.”