UPD reports lower crime rates

Diego Saldana/Staff Writer

Forty-two arrests, 49 thefts, 40 traffic citations and nine burglaries have been reported by the University Police Department since the beginning of summer C.

Out of the 42 arrests, 21 were for narcotics. University Police Chief Alex Casas said that narcotics remain a common reason for arrest.

Casas also said that thefts are “crimes of opportunity.”

“Someone leaves an item unattended and someone else will pick it up,” said Casas.

As of July 19, there had been 242 crimes reported by the UPD. That is 26 less compared to last year, according to Casas.

[two_third]Summer 2013 crime recap:

• 42  arrests

• 49 thefts

• 40 traffic citations

• 9 burglaries

• 21 arrests for narcotics

• 3 vehicles reported stolen

[/two_third]

Casas noted three particular crimes that have increased from last year’s reports: arson, rape and vandalism.

Arson and rape have increased by one case each, while the latter has had seven more cases than last year at this time.

This brings the total year-to-date number of vandalism cases to 35.

On the other hand, vehicle theft has dropped from last year’s report. Three vehicles were reported stolen, down from 13 reports last year.

“Our increase in staff and our ability to keep officers has transferred into a larger presence on campus, which I believe has a deterrent effect,” said Casas.

– diego.saldana@fiusm.com