In 2008, the University saw a slight increase in crime rates after a three year decline. Tom Younce,  chief of Campus Police, said part of the increase was due to the stealing of catalytic converters by a group of individuals during the summer.

“One of the problems with crime is, in terms of numbers, our crime is so

low that an individual can come through and affect the percentage of the

increase real easily,” he said.

According to Younce, there were 465 total crimes for the year of 2008. Raleigh’s crime, particularly armed robbery, has gone up drastically this year.

“If someone comes in and commits 10 or 15 [crimes],” Younce said, “that dramatically affects the crime rate. We sit right in the middle of Raleigh, so what happens in Raleigh usually happens to us.”

Younce said he is concerned the increased crime rate could be a trend for the coming years, especially in terms of property crimes.

“Generally, economic hard times don’t affect the crime rate, but this hardship is a little bit different,” Younce said. “It’s a lot more dramatic because a lot more people are unemployed.”

Younce did say the rate of crime on campus is lower than surrounding areas.

“For every robbery we have on campus, the surrounding area has seven or eight of the same crime,” Younce said. “What robberies we do have are big because they generate a lot of media coverage because they are rare.”

According to Younce, a student is seven times more likely to be a victim of a violent crime off campus than on campus, though Younce said the philosophy of Campus Police is that one crime is too many.

“We’re not immune,” he added. “Things that happen in Raleigh sometimes spill over onto campus.”

Younce said the main areas for crime on campus are D.H. Hill Library, Talley, Carmichael and the West Lot.

Leah Van Halsema, a senior in spanish language and literature, works at the front desk of Talley four times a week, and said students ask questions regarding crime frequently.

“Every other time I work, I get someone asking where to go to report something stolen and I refer them to Campus Police,” she said.

Younce said if people are going to leave valuables in their vehicle to leave their car unlocked. He said it costs a lot less to replace an item than it does to repair a window.

Carolyn Argentati, the associate vice provost and deputy director of Libraries, said she encourages her staff to call Campus Police regarding anything.

“Unfortunately no matter how much we tell students not to leave their items unattended, theft still happens,” she said. “There is a certain awareness on the part of students when it comes to taking responsibility for personal safety and security.”

Mary Chimato, the head of access and delivery service in the library, said

the library is a regular stop on police rounds.

“We have a very strong relationship with Campus Police,” she said. “Safety and security have been  major policies of ours.”

Chimato ensured all staff members have radios and said security guards inside the building at night make frequent checks.

“That’s the cornerstone of our building security,” she said.