6 - Campus Crime

Hannah Diffee

Professor Reppert

Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media

Fall 2024

6 - Campus Crime

Although U.S. crime rates have been declining for the past few decades, crime is still a concern--especially on college campuses. In 2022, campus crime had risen to pre-pandemic levels. That year, 38,059 criminal offenses were reported on college campuses nationwide. Most of these were auto thefts, with that number rising by 120% from 2019. The most common types of crimes committed on college campuses are motor vehicle theft, burglary, and rape.

Source: USA Today

USA Today has a "Crimes on Campus" tool, an interactive map that allows users to view the crime statistics of higher education institutions across the country. Most reported crimes have occurred in the eastern half of the U.S.

Female student attacked at WSU, search for suspect continues

A female student was attacked on the campus of Washington State University October 21. The student reported that she was grabbed from behind and choked in the parking lot behind Beasley Coliseum at around 8 p.m. She lost consciousness and believes that she was sexually assaulted during that time. Because she was grabbed from behind, she is unable to provide a description of the suspect.

Police received the report of the assault on October 27 after rumors of a "serial rapist" began circulating on campus. WSU Police issued a statement addressing the incident, urging anyone with information to contact them. They will be increasing patrols on campus to keep students safe at this time.