Image via Complex Original
Smelly, overcrowded, under-maintained, the subway is the unpleasant communal cesspool that all but the richest New Yorkers must endure together. But as terrible as the MTA can seem, the fact is that it has never been safer in its more-than-100-year history. Whereas graffiti-covered cars once played host to gangs and addicts, the metro of the 21st century is no longer a bastion of criminal activity and illicit behavior. Still, with 468 stations and 842 miles of track to police, there will forver be shady goings-on beneath the streets. Things may not have turned out like The Warriors, but you can still read on for some of the most common crimes modern MTA police have to deal with on a daily basis.
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Pickpocketing
Classification: Felony
Probability: Low
While theft of electronic gadgets continues to rise, traditional pickpocketing is becoming a thing of the past. NPR reports that, while 1990 saw 23,000 cases of pickpocketing in New York, by the year 2000 the number of cases had fallen to less than 5,000. This is partly due to the fact that pickpocketing was traditionally a skill passed down from one generation to another and that apprenticeships have become outdated. With more cameras and higher public-awareness, it's also harder than ever to swipe a watch or a wallet. Then again, the New York Post reported just last week on a pair of "Bonnie-and-Clyde Pickpockets" are responsible for more than 10 thefts on public transit. So maybe putting your wallet in your front pocket isn't such a bad idea.
Graffiti
Classification: Usually a misdemeanor
Probability: Low
With New York's anti-graffiti task-force in constant motion, it's unlikely that you'll see more than a few sharpie tags on a modern subway train. That said, graffiti was once one of the great scourges of the city's public transportation system. Now, the times when a street artist manages to bomb a whole rain are almost non-existent. One exception is Barcelona's OTP Crew, who hit some trains in the Bronx recently. While it's probably better that our cars are now cleaners, there's still a certain nostalgia to seeing a neon-slathered subway car.
Sexual Harassment
Classification: Depends on the situation
Probability: Medium-High
Whether it be cat-calling, groping, or even worse, sexual harassment is still an unfortunately common problem on New York transit. Though police have cracked down on arresting offenders, there are still many instances each year that go unreported. In 2009, the New York Times reported that sexual harassment was the number one quality of life offense on the subway.
Unlawful Pet Transport
Classification: Misdemeanor
Probability: Medium
New York law states that a dog cannot take the a subway unless it is transported in a carrying case. That means that any labs, German shepherds, or standard poodles you've seen on the L train have been riding illegally. The big exception is if the animal is a service dog, in which case it's perfectly OK to accompany its master wherever they please.
Unauthorized Busking and Panhandling
Classification: Misdemeanor
Probability: High
Since taking office with the de Blasio administration, newly re-instated NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton has made cracking down on panhandling a key tenet of his policing philosophy. While panhandling and illegal busking are still common, arrests have tripled since this time last year. As for musicians who want to make a living as a legitimate busker, they'll have to do it on the platform rather than in the cars. While First Amendment rights protect performers who follow the rules, there are also annual auditions for the city's best performance spots.
Food Sales
Classification: Misdemeanor
Probability: High
Unfortunately for hungry strap-hangers out there, food sales on the MTA are not regulated or officially allowed by the city. Next time you want a churro or mango with chili, consider that no one is overseeing the food production. Last year, the Village Voice covered the "illegal underground economy behind churros" in a fascinating exposé. Venders play a cat-and-mouse game with police, trying to sell their deep-fried wares. Fines for churro-selling typically range from $100 to $1,500. Whether or not this is a good use of the city's resources is another question.
Indecent Exposure
Classification: Depends on situation
Probability: Medium
Another form of sexual harassment, indecent exposure happens more than you'd think on the subway. The trains provide a platform for exhibitionists, almost always men, to expose themselves to the public. Flashers are, unfortunately, still a common problem on the train with many anecdotal reports in addition to cases brought forward to police.
Assault
Classification: Felony
Probability: Low
Violent acts on the subway are rare these days, but when they do happen they make headlines. Whether it's teens with gang connections, disturbing hate crimes, or someone getting pushed onto the tracks, it's a terrifying prospect to consider. With a strong MTA police presence, however, these instances are fewer than ever. Last year the NY Daily News reported that robberies and assaults were down 16 percent from the previous year. Still, it's best to be aware of others and remain alert when you're on the train or subway platform.
Smartphone Thievery
Classification: Felony
Probability: Medium
Now that everyone in New York has a shiny new Samsung or Apple product in their hand, it makes sense that these devices have become the target for thieves. In 2011, the New York Times reported that 1,000 people had been victims of such a crime, compared with 787 the previous year. The best thing to do is to keep your expensive gadgets inside your jacket or pants pocket rather than hold them in your hand. It also wouldn't hurt to turn down the volume on that latest episode of This American Life to better pay attention to what's happening around you.
Litter
Classification: Misdemeanor
Probability: High
Litter is a huge problem for the MTA. It causes track fires, looks disgusting, and requires cleanup from workers whose time would be better spent doing something else. Be civilized: don't do it. That said, there are varying philosophies about how to combat subway trash. In fact, a bizarre recent pilot program showed that removing trash cans from stations actually reduced the amount of litter and lowered rat population. Go figure.