In light of a 50 percent increase in crime on campus since this time last year, city and university police met with students Wednesday to discuss ways to stay safe on campus.
While police said the increase correlates with the unusually warm weather and increased drug addiction in Madison that leads to theft, Madison Police Captain Carl Gloede said there is no one reason that can account for the spike in crime.
Police said the most common crimes occur when people leave doors and windows unlocked, thieves find opportunities to cut screens and people walk alone, giving perpetrators the opportunity to strike.
Officials said they are doing what they can to prevent crimes, but community members and students need to remain informed of ways to avoid being victimized.
“[This is] not a problem that police can solve themselves,” Madison Police Officer Shawn Engel said.
To prevent these crimes, Gloede suggested students never walk alone, take the most lit route, lock all doors and windows and call 911 whenever “something feels off.”
“If it doesn’t feel right, assume it’s not right,” Engel said.
Police said students are more vulnerable to attack while intoxicated because they are likely to be less aware of their surroundings.
But Ald. Scott Resnick, District 8, said even “students who do everything right can still become victims.”
Police said stealing electronics is common for people trying to support drug addictions. Documenting serial numbers and having GPS devices in phones help police locate the stolen items afterwards, but they recommend students do not leave them in plain sight to prevent theft.
Gloede also encouraged students to report crimes and to provide detailed descriptions of perpetrators and license plate numbers if possible.
