Larceny a problem on campus
Theft rates on campus are decreasing, but still high.
Published Feb. 16, 2009
Larceny thefts are by far the most common crime at MU, but the numbers seem to be decreasing.
According to the MU Police Department's Web site, there were 332 larceny crimes reported in 2008, compared to 349 larceny crimes reported in 2007.
MUPD Capt. Brian Weimer said these crimes are by far the most common and students should be aware of the dangers of larceny theft.
"These crimes occur weekly and students should practice better awareness with their items," Weimer said.
Weimer also said there have been increases and decreases in larceny theft since he has worked with MUPD but larceny is still the No. 1 crime committed.
According to MUPD's Web site, the department only made 66 arrests in the 332 larceny cases solved.
Weimer said these types of crimes are harder to solve due to a lack of evidence and description.
"If you get a crime with no subject description nor anything about the individual or individuals who may be responsible for it, of course it is harder to solve the case," Weimer said.
Weimer also said MUPD's rate of solving crimes is high compared to the national average.
He said the victims of larceny crimes were not just students, because MUPD handles all crimes that happen on campus.
"It can also be faculty and staff members here at the university," Weimer said.
He also said these crimes can be the result of people leaving items in a spot and forgetting where they put them. Larcenies can also be committed when students leave their residence hall rooms unlocked or open.
MUPD works with the campus community to prevent larceny throughout the year with different events and programs.
Weimer said it usually isn't students committing these larcenies.
"People who live in the city know there are a lot of people who go here and they know students do not think twice about leaving their items somewhere in fear of someone taking it," Weimer said.
Weimer said the best way for students to prevent these crimes are to register their laptops and computers with MUPD, which it makes it easier for police to relocate stolen items.
Weimer also said students should practice better safety habits.
"Make sure you lock your doors and keep your belongings with you at all times," Weimer said.
Columbia Police Department officer Jim Blaska also said larceny thefts are major crimes in the city.
"You hear about larceny thefts frequently and it's a crime we take a lot of reports on," Blaska said.
Blaska said more police presence and a better awareness of crime on campus would also help with decreasing these crimes.
"Keep your doors locked and keep your valuables out of sight of doors and windows," Blaska said.