Riders on alert after robberies at Red Line stations

DORCHESTER, Mass. (WHDH) -- Boston Police are stepping up patrols and warning women to be on alert after a number of attacks near several Red Line MBTA stations.

Commuters along the Red Line in Dorchester are on high alert after a string of robberies targeting women. It has more transit police on foot patrol and Boston police patrol cars standing by.

“I think of my loved ones and I think how frightening that would be to them -- or if that happened to them I would be very, very concerned about that,” said Timothy Lee-Chuvala, a commuter.

In some cases, the robber would start a conversation briefly before showing a gun and demanding cash.

Police say all of the victims were women who were walking home from Red Line stations including JFK/UMass, Savin Hill, Shamut and Ashmont.

Some commuters say “T” stops can be opportunities for criminals.

“For predator this is easy prey there are women. Because there are a lot of women who usually get off work or are coming home late,” said Adoley Plange, a commuter.

Police have increased patrols and even set up a perch at the JFK stop to give them a better view from above. But they say everyone needs to be alert so they don’t become a target.

“You can’t just be walking around in daze looking at your phone. You have to be looking out for yourself,” said Christa Lee-Chuvala, a commuter.

“I don’t want to put myself at risk especially walking by myself I try to make sure paying I’m paying attention -- no iPhone or ear buds in my ear,” said Plange.

Police say commuters should be aware of their surroundings.