The number of reported crimes on campus has decreased in nearly every category from 2011 to 2012, according to the most recent Department of Public Safety statistics.

The numbers of every crime on campus lowered, with the exception of robberies, arson and arrests for liquor law violations. The total number of burglaries on campus has experienced about a 22 percent drop since last year, the statistics showed. Between 2011 and 2012, on-campus robberies increased from zero to three instances, according to the report.

Last year, there were several off-campus robberies, Callisto said, that took between six and eight weeks to get under control through arrests. He said there have been a few recent robberies near campus where DPS was able to quickly detain the suspect this year — largely because of University Area Crime-Control Team, a partnership with the Syracuse Police Department created last year.

“These robberies don’t usually occur in neighborhoods, but last year there was a spike in robbery incidences,” Callisto said. “We created UACT to try and crack down on that. There has been a decrease in those problems already.”

Through the Clery Act, which requires universities to disclose statistics and warnings for crimes that may threaten students’ safety, SU has adopted a more stringent crime reporting system, Callisto said. He added that few crimes go unreported, which makes the statistics appear far more significant.

“What you have to realize is that when you look at the overall numbers of crime, campus crime is low anyway,” Callisto said.

In addition to reporting incidents of arson, the statistics also contain a detailed breakdown of the causes of fire alarms going off in 2012. In the course of the year, there were 197 fire alarms reported, 76 of which were due to cooking incidents.

Instead of focusing on the crime statistics, Callisto said students should focus on the parts that outline the safety services DPS provides. Late at night, Callisto said students should walk in groups of three or more and in well-lit areas.

“When in doubt, contact DPS for a safety escort because our goal is to make sure that every student is safe around our campus,” Callisto said.

Published on October 3, 2013 at 2:48 am

Contact Annie: apalme05@syr.edu