UN I V E R S I T Y D A I L Y K A N S A N
Monday, August 18, 1997
7C
Campus crime on the decline
By Sean Patrick
Kansan staff reporter
The University of Kansas Lawrence campus is becoming a safer place, according to the University Awareness report.
According to the report, crimes have dropped nine percent on the Lawrence campus since 1994. This is the third consecutive year that the number of crimes reported to the KU police department has declined.
Sgt. Chris Keary of the KU police department said there were many reasons for the decline.
"We like to think that the police department is doing its job effectively," he said. "But we do realize that we are not in this alone. It is very important in crime prevention for the community to be involved."
The biggest decrease in reported crime was in the category of burglary, which is defined as unauthorized entry into a private area with the intent to commit a theft. Burglaries dropped in 1996 to 266 reported violations, down from 310 in 1995, a 14 percent decrease.
Vandalism showed a decline of 21 percent, and the number of rapes and motor vehicle thefts also showed a slight drop. Arrests for drug violations decreased as well.
However, petty larceny and theft increased more than 5 percent. The number of arson incidents on campus also rose slightly in 1996."
The crime report is published in compliance with the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act passed by Congress in 1991. The act requires that colleges publish a biannual report including crime statistics from the previous three years. Murder, sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft as well as statistics concerning drug, alcohol, and weapons violations are included in the report.
In addition to the categories required by Congress, the University also adds theft and operating under the influence to the list.
The awareness report chronicles only those crimes reported to the KU police department on campus property. Any off-campus crimes involving students or faculty is not included in the report.
"It is important that if you see something suspicious to give us a call... After all, next time that suspicious person
might be breaking into your car."
Sgt. Chris Keary KUpoliceofficer
Keary said that the biggest reason for the decrease in campus crime was that students have become more educated about crime prevention.
"It is important that if you see something suspicious to give us a call so that we can get it taken care of. After all, next time that suspicious person might be breaking into your car," Keary said.
Keary said the University is making great strides in making campus safer. Projects include increasing the lighting on campus and providing emergency phones that are direct links to the KU police department.
He said the most important way to prevent crime is to be aware of one's surroundings at all times.
"There are always areas that aren't as well lit as others," Keary said. "Don't take dark shortcuts. If you see someone suspicious while you are on campus use one of the emergency phones to call us."
Keary said new students must take precautions to avoid becoming crime victims. He said students should be sure not to leave property unattended and not to leave homes unlocked. He also said that it was
There is safety in numbers. Walk with a friend or group of friends.
Personal safety tips
The best defense is a good offense. Awareness and planning can reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
Whenever possible, walk in well lighted areas. Avoid dark shortcuts.
Know the location of emergency phones on campus.
- Keep your purse or backpack close to you. If you are mugged, give the attacker what he or she has.
keep your purse or backpack.
you. If you are mugged, give the attacker what he or she wants and walk away.
Rape avoidance
Rape is an act of violence and control. There is no single solution to preventing rape; however, there are ways to avoid situations.
Avoid being alone with someone you don't know or trust.
There is safety in numbers.
Trust your instincts and avoid excessive use of alcohol and drugs, which impair your judgment in dangerous situations.
Have your house or car keys ready when you need to use them. It reduces the time you spend standing in a poorly lit area alone.
If a situation or a person does not feel right, trust your instincts and leave.
All rape victims should report the incident to the police. Do not shower, wash or douche prior to notifying authorities. If you choose to press charges this will ensure that important evidence still is available. Always seek immediate medical attention after a rape for possible injuries, STDs or unwanted pregnancy.
important for students to engrave serial numbers on their property so that the police can more easily find stolen property.
"We can't do it alone," Keary said. "The students area a part of crime prevention also."
please pick up all of it. . .
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
The KU Libraries
Announce
Library Orientation Tours
Anschutz Science Library
Staff tour guides will introduce information resources and services available through the University of Kansas Libraries. Scheduled tours are approximately 45-60 minutes long.
Monday, August 18
10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
Art and Architecture Library Level 1, Spencer Museum of I Tuesday, August 19 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 22 1:00 p.m.
Map Collection Level 1, Anschutz Science Library Wednesday, August 20 10:00 a.m.
Music Library 448 Murphy
Wednesday, August 20 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 26 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, August 28 2:00 p.m.
Watson Library
Monday, August 18
Tuesday, August 19
Thursday, August 21
Friday, August 22
Saturday, August 23
Monday, August 25
Tuesday, August 26
Wednesday, August 27
9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
11:00 am & 2:30 pm
10:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Library Information Sources
The Libraries will continue to offer workshops this fall. Information regarding topics and times can be found via our Home Page at http://kuhttp.cc.ukans.edu/cwis/units/kulib/intro.html.
Also, be sure to stop by one of the Libraries this fall and pick up a copy of the 1997/98 edition of the Libraries' reference publication The Libraries at the University of Kansas.
The University of Kansas Libraries • Publications Office • 350 Watson Library • 864-3378
---
)