University Police has continued to keep crime rates low, according to its annual crime statistics report released Sept. 19.
The two biggest crime statistics from 2004 until 2006 were disciplinary referrals for liquor law- and drug-related violations. From 43 liquor law violations in 2004 to 34 in 2006, the UP appears to have improved the situation. Drug-related violations decreased from 32 in 2004 to 15 in 2005. For 2006, the reports are back up to 31.
Despite the decrease in these types of infractions, UP still reminds students to be cautious of theft. UP Captain Roger Pinac said, “Talk to your roommate to form a plan on locking your doors to your room.”
During the spring semester, UP will knock on dorm rooms doors to see who is keeping their personal belongings safe and secure and who is leaving them out in the open.
Another way to keep the dorm safe is to use identification cards to get in the dorms.
Pinac said, “People get frustrated by showing their card to the desk assistants, but we need to keep the dorms safe.”
UP also tells students to report suspicious people on campus.
According to Pinac, Loyola’s crime statistics are low when compared to schools like Tulane University.
He said, “The way the campus is laid out and how we are butted up to Tulane with outside buildings as natural barriers helps keep Loyola safe. The downside to this is that people think nothing will happen.
“New Orleans is a nice city but is like any other big city. You are exposed when you go out, so treat it that way,” Pinac said.
UP also reminds students to travel in groups.
Pinac said, “(We don’t) want to make you paranoid, but to be practical.”
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