Vehicle theft and burglary down 50% at Cal Poly Pomona

From the desk of Cal Poly Pomona: 

Vehicle theft and burglary at Cal Poly Pomona declined by 50 percent in 2008, according to data released this month by the university police.

        In 2006, 52 vehicle thefts were reported. The number fell to 29 in 2007 and 14 last year. Burglaries declined from 30 to 24, and then to 12 last year.

        "In the last year we've had students, faculty and staff all call in suspicious individuals and circumstances," says Chief Michael Guerin of the University Police Department. "Additionally, our partners in parking and facilities have been great 'eyes and ears' for us throughout the campus.  Couple these leads with good police work and we made a difference." 

        Deterring auto thefts can be a challenge, Guerin says, because as many as 10,000 vehicles park daily on campus daily in widely dispersed lots.

         The campus is generally a safe place in terms of crimes against persons as well, according to department statistics.  Each year there are very few cases of assault - sexual or otherwise. That doesn't mean the campus community should be complacent, Guerin says.

        "Everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings and situation at all times.  If you feel something isn't right, listen to that inner voice and move to a place of safety or notify the police department of suspicious individuals."

        The university offers a safety escort program on campus. In addition, emergency phones are located in parking lot areas for emergency 9-1-1 contact and to request services.