Saint Louis University recently released the 2002 Annual Campus Security Report as required by the Jeanne Clery Act.

Taking a closer look at crime statistics, provided weekly by the Department of Public Safety to The University News for publication, it is obvious that the number of crimes is greater than the numbers published in the Security Report.

The Department of Education requires that the University report only part-one crimes as statistical information in the report. Part-one crimes include: murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, negligent manslaughter, forcible sex offenses, nonforcible sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, arson and motor vehicle theft. The report includes any crimes that took place on the University’s campus, in the residence halls, non-campus building owned by the University and the streets and sidewalks adjacent to the campus.

Part-two crimes are minor thefts, break-ins, peace disturbances, destruction of property over $500, trespassing, tampering and vandalism; these are not required by the Clery Act to be reported. In the 2001-2002 academic year there were a total 165 incidents reported, including informationals. Informational reports are incidents that happened not on campus but in the area around the campus. Twenty-one of these incidents have been classified as part one crimes. Of the part-two crimes 99 were classified as stealing under $750.

A little less than half of the incidents classified as stealing under $750 were motor vehicle break-ins. Last academic year 45 vehicles were reported broken into–24 of the break-ins were on campus lots with the remaining being on city streets. The most common theft was the removal of renewal license stickers, followed by electronic equipment. So far this year there have been 16 reported thefts with a number of them being vehicle related.

The greatest number of break-ins on the campus lots was in the Fordham lot (located at Reinert Hall) and the Seattle and St. Joseph lots (located on the west end of campus by Vandeventer and West Pine avenues).

“In the Fordham lot, a number of the people who cause the break-ins come in over Highway 40/64 by climbing the fences,” said Jack Titone, director of Public Safety.

In attempts to prevent motor-vehicle break-ins, DPS and the University have upgraded the camera systems in the lot. The department is also considering placing a monitor at the front desk of Reinert, so that the desk workers can monitor the lots allowing them to report any suspicious activity.

“The problem with the Seattle and St. Joseph lots is that they are the farthest away from campus,” said Titone. “Since we have increased patrolling on the campus lots, there have been no thefts and those attempting to break-in have been caught.”

According to Titone the nuisance thefts (license stickers and break-ins) are occurring on the weekends when there is a greater volume of traffic in and out of the lots while the majority of part-one crimes are taking place from 9 p.m. to midnight.

As custom stereo players are most often stolen, Titone stresses that everybody should remember to take the faceplate off, since the stereo is no good without it. Also, those with boom box or large speakers in their vehicle should cover them with a sheet or a blanket. “Most importantly, do not leave things in plain view. By doing this, you are advertising to be a victim of crime,” said Titone. “Also make sure that you lock your doors.”

According to the statistics, parking garages are the safest place to park as there has never been a stolen car or break-in reported from any of the three University garages.

DPS is considering bringing back the GOTCHA program. If this is done, DPS officers would go onto the parking lots and look for things that could cause your vehicle to be broken into. The officer would then place a flyer on your car telling the owner this as a way to educate students, allowing them to become more aware of potential dangers.

Most of the other thefts are minor things, such as purses, wallets, cell phones, books and book bags. These items are being taken because students, faculty and staff are leaving their items unattended. To avoid crimes like these students, faculty and staff need to take precautions such as locking the doors to the dorms or apartments and offices, advised Titone. Faculty members are encouraged to have their computers locked down, so that they cannot be removed.

As always, Titone stresses that anybody seeing suspicious activity should report it to DPS as soon as possible by calling 977-3000.