2008 Woodie Awards
Video related to this article is available below.Issue date: 10/8/08 Section: News
Violent offenses down 42 percent | Interactive Feature
Burglaries up 94 percent after rash of incidents at frat houses
Emily Schultheis
While violent crime on Penn's campus has largely decreased this year, some property crimes, like burglary and bike theft, have risen significantly in 2008.
Violent crimes, such as robberies and assaults, are down 42 percent for the year, according to the Division of Public Safety. This trend held for September, with six violent offenses reported this year, down from 12 in the same month in 2007.
The overall crime rate in the Penn Patrol Zone dropped 2 percent compared to 2007 through the end of September.
But not all areas of crime have decreased. Burglaries on campus saw a 94-percent jump - there have been 64 burglaries reported so far this year, up from 33 in 2007.
Twelve burglaries were reported this September, up from just two during that month last year.
Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush attributed this significant increase to a chain of burglaries in fraternity houses in recent weeks.
"Clearly people are not locking their doors and windows," Rush said. "It's a crime of opportunity, and we're giving people the opportunity when we leave the doors and windows open."
Rush said Penn Police is investigating the burglaries, though no suspects have been arrested at this point.
She added that Penn Police is working with liaisons from campus fraternities as well as the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs to ensure that house residents know what safety precautions to take.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Laurie B. Kazenoff
posted 10/08/08 @ 10:54 AM EST
Even though the article notes that crime is down 42%, the overall crime that occurs at Penn is way too high to begin with. Penn cannot solve all of the crime problems Philadelphia is experiencing, but it should take dramatic steps to insure the safety of its students, many of whom are OUT OF STATE and from other countries. (Continued…)
Robert Peel
posted 10/08/08 @ 6:09 PM EST
While I understand Laurie's concerns, I am nonetheless struck by the marked decrease in violent crime against persons. Penn is somewhat unfortunately situated inside West Philly, and is subject to all the socioeconomic and crime problems attendant thereto. (Continued…)
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