UCD: Area crime drops in 1999

Serious crime in University City decreased significantly in 1999, according to data released this week by the University City District. The data, a joint compilation of information from the Philadelphia Police Department and the UCD itself, indicates that serious offenses -- including homicide, rape, aggravated assault and robbery -- fell about 6 percent from 1998. The statistics may be revised to reflect the ultimate outcome of each incident, the press release said. According to UCD Executive Director Paul Steinke, the drop in crime can be attributed to several community-based factors. "There has been much smarter policing and increased town watch patrols," Steinke said. "Having more eyes and ears on the streets really reduces crime and improves the general quality of life." Steinke added that District initiatives such as the UCD Safety Ambassadors -- the 40 yellow-jacketed guards who patrol the neighborhood on foot and by bicycle -- and the new PPD substation at 40th and Chestnut streets -- have helped bring about the safer environment. University Police data also has shown that crime rates on and around Penn's campus have been dropping in recent months. Reported crime over winter break, for instance, reached a six-year low last month with only 58 offenses reported over the three-week period. And the amount of crime last summer decreased sharply as well, with theft, robbery, burglary and assault totals hitting new lows for comparable periods. The UCD, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting the local community, is sponsored by area institutions -- including Penn, Drexel University and the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Its boundaries stretch from Spring Garden Street to Woodland Avenue, and from the Schuylkill River to 50th Street. As for the future, Steinke expressed optimism for an even safer University City. "There's been quite a difference lately," he said. "I think that University City has been on a pretty significant improvement trend, and I definitely see that continuing." Penn students, however, expressed a mix of feelings regarding crime both on campus and in the local community. "Well, I live on campus, so I'm the first to walk out here at 2 in the morning without thinking a thing about it," College junior Atara Margolies said. "I know people who have had problems with crime, though, so I think there's definitely a problem." "Nothing has ever happened to me, but I don't see any major changes -- for the better or worst -- since I've been here," Engineering junior Daniel Chang said. "I definitely feel safe." Some students said they feel differently when venturing off campus. "I definitely feel safe on campus," College and Wharton freshman Chris Vojc said. "But if you go past 40th Street, I definitely don't feel safe anymore."