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Campus crime a result of carelessness

Posted on Nov 23, 2009 in News

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Muggings and vehicle break-ins on campus are often the result of simple carelessness by students, according to the UAB police department (UABPD).

Month-to-month crime statistics listed on the UABPD Web site rank theft of property or person as one of the most common crimes at UAB, which can usually be prevented if students took a couple of simple measures to ensure their safety.

“People are just in a hurry,” said Maj. Marvin Atwood, in charge of car theft reports on campus. “They’re trying to get to class and end up leaving cell phones in their seats, as well as laptops and iPods. People walk by and glance in the windows and just take them.”

When it comes to muggings, Atwood suggests that no one should ever walk alone to their car at night when the campus is least crowded. The police department recommends students and faculty take full advantage of escort phones posted around campus and always keeps a cell phone on them.

While it would seem parking decks should be avoided if one is going to be walking back to their car late at night, Atmore actually suggests the contrary.

“The parking decks (on UAB) are actually very safe. They have cameras, and we know crooks don’t like those. If a crook sees one camera, he’ll know there are others around he doesn’t know about, but he knows they can probably see him. They also have only one exit, so there’s no easy getaway,” Atmore said.

With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, the UABPD is urging students and faculty to be more cautious than ever. Past statistics have noted burglaries rising during this time, with 19 thefts reported in November and December 2008 alone. The department urges placing personal property that can’t be carried along, such as gifts and other high-ticket items, in the trunk, or taking it home first.

“Just take the extra time to put everything out of sight,” Atwood said. “That’s not going to equal up to the amount of time that it will take you to replace it.” 

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