METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

NYC Transit urges subway riders to safeguard belongings

New posters urge riders to keep a close watch over personal electronic devices, particularly when seated or standing near doors.

June 25, 2012
NYC Transit urges subway riders to safeguard belongings

Photo courtesy N.Y. MTA. Photographer Patrick Cashin.

2 min to read


Photo courtesy N.Y. MTA. Photographer Patrick Cashin.

MTA New York City Transit is launching a new public service campaign urging subway riders to keep a close watch over their personal electronic devices while in the system. “Don’t be a target of opportunity!” posters have begun appearing in subway cars around the system and they send a very clear message: “Safeguard your stuff.”

These ever-popular, light and compact electronic devices have become the favorite targets of opportunistic thieves who take advantage of riders who fail to pay attention to their surroundings. The posters warn customers to be especially vigilant, particularly when seated or standing near doors.

Ad Loading...

“Unfortunately, these items have become tempting targets for thieves and what we are seeking to do with this campaign is remind our customers to take extra care when using them by being watchful of their environment,” said NYC Transit President Thomas F. Prendergast.

The campaign was developed in consultation with the NYPD, based in part on a video they produced earlier this year educating customers about device safety. The videos addressed the issues of vigilance and situational awareness when using electronic devices in the subway.
New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said, "Enforcement and public awareness are both critical to combating thefts of iPhones and other electronic devices on the subway.

This campaign reminds transit riders that when you are aware of your surroundings, and guard your electronic devices, you help protect yourself against would-be thieves."

More than 2,000 of the “premium square” posters are being installed on subway cars throughout the system. The campaign will also appear in the On the Go! Travel Station rotation as well as on Station Advisory Information Display S.A.I.D screens when they read “Good Service.”

More Rail

Operation Lifesaver Rail Safety Education logo over railroad tracks background, representing rail safety awareness initiatives.
Railby News/Media ReleaseMay 4, 2026

Operation Lifesaver Awards Rail Safety Outreach Funds in 12 States

Operation Lifesaver awarded $220,200 in grants to 12 states to support rail safety campaigns focused on grade crossing awareness and trespass prevention.

Read More →
Caltrain trains on tracks
Railby StaffMay 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Carmen C. Cham of HNTB
Managementby Alex RomanApril 29, 2026

How Transit Architecture Is Reshaping the Rider Journey

In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.

Read More →
A Red Line Rendering
Railby StaffApril 27, 2026

Chicago Kicks Off Historic Red Line Extension at Michigan Avenue Station Site

The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.

Read More →
Trains at railroad crossings
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

USDOT Invests $1.1B to Enhance Safety Infrastructure at Railroad Crossings

Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide. 

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Siemens and LK Comstock photo for Fulton-Liberty Lines
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

NYC’s Fulton–Liberty Lines Get Digital Signal Upgrade from Siemens and L.K. Comstock

The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.

Read More →
WMATA 7000-series railcars at Navy Yard
Managementby StaffApril 24, 2026

WMATA Adopts FY2027 Budget, Boosts Service Without Raising Fares

While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.

Read More →
Denver RTD's A Line with passengers
Railby StaffApril 23, 2026

Denver's RTD Celebrates 10th Anniversary of the A Line

With more than 59,400,000 boardings since the service’s debut, the A Line’s utilization surpassed that of all other RTD rail services in 2025, the agency reported.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Passengers on a public transit vehicle.
Railby StaffApril 21, 2026

Virginia DRPT Releases Draft Six-Year Program for Transit, Rail Investments

The plan outlines funding for transit operations, capital projects, and freight and passenger rail initiatives, as state officials seek public input on priorities shaping mobility and infrastructure across the Commonwealth.

Read More →