LOS ANGELES — Mayor Eric Garcetti instructed Metro officials today to let bus and rail riders use electrical outlets at bus and train stations to charge their phones, following reports that some people were arrested for it.

Three people were arrested at Metro stations this year after using the outlets to charge their phones, Metro officials said.

While the three people were stopped for electricity theft, they were eventually booked on warrants for other crimes, Metro spokesman Marc Littman said.

Garcetti, who chairs the Metro board, said he instructed Metro staffers to “end the practice” of arresting people for using the outlets to charge their phones, unless it disrupts Metro’s maintenance work.

“This is simply common sense,” he said. “I want our law enforcement resources directed toward serious crime, not cell phone charging.”

Sheriff’s deputies are responsible for police Metro buses and rail lines.