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Metro police: iPhone robbery snatches are up in June

WASHINGTON — If you use your iPhone 6 while waiting for Metro or while on the train, you may want to think again.

Metro Transit police are warning riders that there have been multiple robbery snatches of iPhone 6 devices since the beginning of June.

Police believe the incidents involve the same suspect or group of suspects.

Many of the robberies occurred on Orange, Blue or Silver line trains as the train was sitting at the station with the doors open.

As the victims were using their phones, someone snatched the phone out of their hands. The suspects then ran off the train and out of the station.

There have been six incidents since June 1:

  • June 16 — 3:10 p.m. — Aboard Orange Line train at Deanwood
  • June 10 — 3:30 p.m. — On platform at Capitol Heights
  • June 9 — 1:30 p.m. — On platform at Eastern Market
  • June 6 — 8 p.m. — On escalator at Benning Road
  • June 3 — 7:25 p.m. — Aboard Orange Line train at Deanwood
  • June 1 — 10:37 p.m. — Aboard Orange Line train at Deanwood

Police are warning riders not to use their phones near train doors or while seated. They also recommend using tracking tools such as “Find my iPhone” so authorities can help track your phone if it is stolen.

Police have increased patrols on trains and at stations.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to Metro Police by calling 202-962-2121 or by sending a text message to “MyMTPD” (696873).

Below is surveillance footage that captured the incident at Deanwood Metro Station on June 1:

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