The number of crimes reported in 2010 on property owned or controlled by UC Davis showed little change from the previous year, according to statistics prepared in compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

Last year, UCD experienced an increase in hate crimes, forcible sex offenses, burglaries and alcohol-related arrests, while robberies, vehicle thefts, assaults, arsons and drug arrests were down.

“UC Davis is a relatively safe campus, but no community of our size is crime-free,” campus Police Chief Annette Spicuzza said. “There are simple steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim — secure your valuables, be aware of your surroundings, and make use of the advice and services available through the Police Department and the Campus Violence Prevention Program.”

There were 88 burglaries last year compared with 84 in 2009, while robberies fell from seven to two. There were 21 forcible sex offenses compared with 18 the previous year, and no nonforcible sex offenses.

Motor vehicle thefts fell from 17 to 13. There were 11 aggravated assaults compared with nine, and two incidents of arson were recorded, down from eight in 2009.

Eight hate crimes were reported in 2010 versus two in 2009. These included incidents in which swastikas were drawn on dorm room doors and whiteboards, the defacement of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Resource Center with graffiti, and an assault on the Quad in which two people pushed and shoved two other people while yelling racial and homophobic slurs.

There were no reports of criminal homicide (murder and non-negligent manslaughter) or negligent manslaughter.

Continuing a trend from the previous year, the number of drug arrests decreased from 50 in 2009 to 24 in 2010, while drug disciplinary actions rose from 68 to 87, mostly related to marijuana use.

(A drug disciplinary action might occur when there is evidence of drug use, such as a smell of marijuana in a residence hall room, but not enough to make an arrest.)

Liquor arrests were up, at 44 compared with 15 the year before. Liquor disciplinary actions were relatively steady: 208 compared with 193 in 2009.

The Clery Act requires colleges and universities to collect statistics for specified crimes reported at defined locations on and adjacent to their campuses, off-campus properties owned or controlled by the campus, and the properties of registered student organizations.

The UC Davis statistics include reports taken by UCD police both on the Davis campus and at the UCD Health System campus in Sacramento, as well as by police agencies that have jurisdiction adjacent to the campus and other university properties.

The numbers also include statistics for crimes that are not reported to police but are disclosed in confidence — for example, to victim advocates with the Campus Violence Prevention Program. No confidential information that would identify victims is used in compiling the report.

Universities and colleges must report these statistics, and information on their campus security policies, to the U.S. Department of Education each fall and also make the information available to current and prospective students and employees.

To ensure accuracy, the statistics collected by the Campus Violence Prevention Program were reviewed by a UCD police officer and an attorney from the UC Davis Office of Campus Counsel.

Current Clery Act data is available at the UC Davis Police Department’s website: http://police.ucdavis.edu/campus-security-policies.

— UC Davis News Service

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