We've had the third reported (second real) robbery of the semester on Ball State University's campus Monday night. The second one equals the number of reported robberies on campus for the four semesters of 2007 and 2008, according to Ball State's 2008 Campus Crime Statistics.
Despite increased frequency of robberies, University Police Department is, understandably, more concerned with property crimes. There are considerably more burglaries and thefts in UPD's jurisdiction than violent crimes. On top of that, the holiday season usually causes an increase in thefts and break-ins. Even if it put most of its effort toward preventing violent crime — more patrols, having foot patrols on campus, etc. — police officers can't be everywhere and wiping out crime on campus is impossible.
On top of that, the $150 million funding cut for higher education could take a toll on UPD. The university hasn't announced its plan to cut spending, but public safety could be on the chopping block like every other department. Muncie already has cut its police and fire fighting forces.
When things like this happen, especially with the frequency they have this semester, people naturally expect more from their police. After the second reported violent crime on campus, UPD extended the hours for Charlie's Charter and increased patrols. However, after it was determined that the report was false and with the holiday season approaching, it backed off and focused on property crimes.
Students need to be alert and vigilant so as to avoid being in these situations as much as possible. Becoming unappealing to muggers, and criminals in general, is the best way to avoid becoming a victim. Travel in packs; a mugger can't rob six people at once. Take advantage of Charlie's Charter if you have to travel at night. With finals week approaching, more of us will be on campus until the early morning hours.
We are somewhat lucky. Most of the crimes are property crimes. We don't have to worry about violence as often. But a lot of the deterring falls on our shoulders. Crime happens and sometimes people are unlucky enough to fall in the cross hairs. But we should do our best to stay unappealing to criminals.
Read More
Ball State ends 2025 season with loss to Miami in MAC Softball Championship semifinal
By Zach Carter / YesterdayBall State ended the year with a 8-0 loss to Miami.
Cardinals elect a new pope, the first American pope in history
By Staff Reports / 3 days agoCardinal Robert Prevost, an American missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church, according to the Associated Press (AP).
'A blue-collar team:' Ball State run rules Akron in opening game of MAC Softball Championship
By Zach Carter / 4 days agoNo. 4 Ball State topped No. 5 Akron 9-1 in the Cardinals' first game of the Mid-American Conference Softball Championship Wednesday afternoon.
