Campus's 1994 Crime Statistics: Violent Crime Has Declined 18 Percent

For the fourth year in a row, crime was down on campus in 1994, with an 18 percent decline in violent crime leading the way.

In all, there were 1,470 offenses noted in the report for last year, accounting for a drop of 9 percent over 1993 and representing the smallest annual total in the past six years, said Capt. Pat Carroll.

Of the total offenses, 525 were bicycle thefts, accounting for 40 percent of all thefts. Carroll said the reduction in reported crimes follows a busy year for the department's crime prevention activities. These include a night escort program, campus safety fairs at residence halls and a new-student orientation, among other activities. "Hopefully our crime prevention programs have helped," said Carroll.

"If you use common sense, follow basic safety guidelines and take advantage of our safety programs, you will be relatively safe on campus," said Carroll.

The UC campus crime statistics cover what's known as "Part I" crimes as listed by the FBI crime index. The totals include reported incidents on all land owned by the university, including the central campus, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, and offices, parking lots, residence halls and other areas off the campus proper.

The one rape reported last year occurred in a hill area parking lot and involved two people who were not students or otherwise affiliated with the campus. No attempted rapes were reported.

In all, there were 45 violent crimes reported for the year, down from 55 in 1993. Of the total, 12 were aggravated assaults, down from 26 in 1993. There were no homicides. Robberies, however, increased from 26 in 1993 to 32 last year.

Property crimes overall decreased 8 percent, with a 46 percent reduction in burglary. Both motor vehicle and bicycle thefts increased, however.

Bicycle thefts were up 17 percent in 1994. Bicycles on campus are required to be licensed and there are designated bicycle parking areas on campus, but Carroll said the large number of bikes and easy access to campus make them a particular target.


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