Columbia crime rates have stayed constant during break
There was a slight increase in property crimes.
Published Jan. 23, 2009
Crime rates in Columbia remained fairly constant while students were on winter break this year.
According to statistics on Columbia Police Department and MU Police Department's Web sites, crimes and arrests over break show no significant change.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Statistical Analysis Center, crimes that happen on campus happen at the same rate during semesters and during breaks.
In December, there were 16 driving under the influence arrests, compared to 17 in November.
MUPD Capt. Brian Weimer said crime during break was less but not noticeably so. He said crime during breaks might drop because fewer people are on campus, but it isn't a big change.
"Occasionally there is a small rise in crime before breaks," he said. Weimer said the majority of crimes on campus are larceny or thefts.
Statistics taken from CPD's Web site also showed little increase in crime over break. According to CPD's statistics, robberies, aggravated assaults and larceny thefts showed little change between the months of August and September.
September did show a significant drop in total crimes committed due to the drop in larceny from September to August.
CPD Sgt. Lloyd Simons said property crimes, such as burglaries, usually go up during breaks.
He said this is because offenders know students are on break and college students usually don't show proper awareness when it comes to not being a victim of theft.
"Offenders know that students leave on breaks, which can be easy pickings for criminals," Simons said. Simons said these crimes usually happen in mostly student areas. He also said car thefts sometimes go up because students may leave their cars unlocked or leave items on the seats, which makes it easier for thieves.
Simons said better awareness from students while on break and when school is in session could lower crime rates.
"Because students are always busy, they don't participate in neighborhood watches or have proper awareness," Simons said.
