NYC Targets Subway Gropers

Sexual harassment is on the rise in the New York City subway system and city officials are cracking down on gropers and flashers. Sexual harassment is the "No. 1 quality of life offense on the subway," the chief of the NYPD's Transit Bureau told a hearing yesterday. The average age of a groper is 39 and most victims are women over 17.

There have been 587 reports of sexual harassment on the subway so far this year, up 4% over last year, but authorities believe the true number of attacks is much higher, reports the New York Times. The Transit Authority has introduced anti-groping posters and announcements. One councilman suggested that people convicted of sex offenses on the subway—many of whom are repeat offenders—have their pictures put on a "wall of shame." (More New York City stories.)