Violent crimes on campus drop, statistics show

Thefts by ex-staff account for ten percent of reported property crime

For only the second time in the past decade, the number of reported criminal offenses on campus have reversed the downward trend. The 723 criminal offenses reported in 2008 represent a 9 percent increase from the 664 criminal offenses reported in 2007. The last time there was an increase in reported criminal offenses on the campus was in 2003 when 862 criminal offenses were reported.

Only five violent crimes were reported in 2008, accounting for less than 1 percent of all reported crime. The increases were mostly seen in property crimes, such as burglary and theft. Two men were identified as being responsible for more than 10 percent of all thefts reported in 2008. In unrelated incidents, the suspects were identified in multiple thefts from the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center and Facilities Operations. The suspects in both cases were arrested.

“Good police work and valuable assistance from the university community combined to identify the suspects in those cases,” said Ralph V. Oliver, director of the Public Safety Office. “Providing a safe and secure environment on campus is a priority for the department, but we rely on the university community to do its part by reporting any crime on campus and helping us identify the perpetrators.”

The Public Safety Office maintains a 24-hour operation, employing 911 dispatchers, non-commissioned security officers and commissioned law enforcement personnel. Uniformed officers patrol the campus year round. Security officers lock and unlock buildings as needed and monitor for maintenance and security problems. Dispatchers monitor alarms and dispatch police, fire and medical units for emergencies on campus. Detectives assist the patrol unit with criminal investigations. Community-support personnel provide educational safety programs and information to various campus organizations.

A full listing of all offenses reported for 1998 through 2008 can be found at the department’s Web site.