Violent crime down 41 percent for year

Violent crime in the Penn patrol zone decreased significantly this spring compared to last year, but a large uptick in property crimes contributed to a 14-percent increase in total crime for the semester.

Crimes against people, which include violent offenses such as robbery and assault, were down 41 percent from January through April of this year, compared with the same time period last year.

Crimes against property, however, are up by 28 percent and thefts from buildings saw a 129-percent increase.

Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush said she was encouraged by the numbers. She attributed the drop in violent crimes largely to increased police visibility.

She said more security officers are on the streets now than at this time last year. The Penn Police force has 116 officers now, an increase of about 10 officers, Rush said.

"Folks are seeing the officers as right there," she said.

Rush also credited financial assistance and partnerships with University administrators in lowering violent crime.

Additional funding allowed increased lighting to be installed along Walnut Street between 33rd and 40th streets this spring, which helped create an environment where crimes are less likely to be committed, Rush said.

She said the Division of Public Safety will continue to work with building administrators to prevent thefts and burglaries.

Rush added that DPS would use New Student Orientation in August as an opportunity to emphasize to "a whole new crop of students that you can't leave your dorm-room doors open, you can't leave property unattended."

A summary of crime statistics for the semester:

n A total of 293 crimes were reported this spring, up from 143 last year. Eighty-one crimes were reported in April of this year, compared to 74 during the same month last year.

n Robberies are down from 17 last year to eight this spring.

n One homicide occurred last spring, while none did this year.

n Aggravated assaults decreased from five last spring to three this year.

n Simple assaults are down to 13 this year from 20 last spring.

n Burglaries increased from 12 last spring to 30 this year.

n Thefts from vehicles are down from 33 in 2007 to 22 this spring.

n Bike thefts are up from 17 last year to 26 this spring.

n Thefts from buildings increased from 49 in 2007 to 112 this year.

n Retail thefts are up to 38 this year from 34 last spring.

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