PORTLAND, Ore. -- A recent baseball bat attack on a 71-year-old man at a TriMet transit center has led to increased police patrol at transit centers on the Portland metropolitan area's eastside.

But crime on the westside has also put a strain on police resources.

On Thursday night, Beaverton police officers made four arrests at local transit centers. The crimes varied: drunk and disorderly, possession of meth, public indecency and harassment.

"You usually hear about (crime) on the east side; you don't hear about it on the west side," said Renee Piden, a MAX rider who uses the light rail service three times per week.

In the past year, westside officers have had 543 emergency calls about incidents at the Sunset Transit Center. There have also been 767 calls at the Emonica Station and 1,900 calls at the Beaverton Transit Center.

TriMet riders have noticed the crime.

"I've seen violence, drug deals right and left, and stalkers," said Devon Knudsen, a MAX rider.

Transit police said they are down seven officers currently and most of their efforts are focused in Gresham, the site of the recent attack.

Until patrols improve, Piden said she plants to be on her guard.

"You just have to have common sense -- it's just being a little bit street smart," she said.

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Gresham Police Start MAX Patrols