Couple of headlines on local crime trends from the broadcast outlets worth looking at today.

First up is WRC/NBC4’s story from last night on snatch ‘n’ grab robberies on Metro, but given that “special” NBCWashington.com treatment this morning by calling it, “Metro Opens Doors … For Robbers.” Scared yet? Of course you are, but don’t worry, the story is really about how robbers are targeting Metro commuters to make quick grabs for purses, cell phones and iPods, not about WMATA inviting thieves into the system with open arms. Although we suppose that distinction is up for debate.

We’re pretty confident that this WRC story was inspired by a couple of recent blog posts, but these sorts of robberies are by no means new to Metro, so if it really is getting even worse, we’re glad to know about it. NB: Metro Transit Deputy Police Chief David Webb openly suggests on camera that the seats closest to the train doors are the least safe, making us wonder whether keeping them reserved for the disabled and elderly is really the best call.

Second is this WTTG/FOX 5 piece on “kick-in robberies” in Takoma. These brazen home invasion crimes are reportedly happening in the middle of the day.

Burglars go to the front door and boldly announce the crime. It’s happened three times in the city in the last week– twice just doors away from Nathan Humphrey and his family’s home.

“When they don’t get a response, they kick in the door. They went upstairs and yelled, ‘Burglary alert!'” said Nathan Humphrey as he explained one incident.

Decidedly worrisome, and a good reminder to use a security gate and keep it locked at all times.