Violent crime at UC is declining, but car thefts and robberies remain high

CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Police records from 2021 through July show that violent crime has declined this year on the University of Cincinnati campus and surrounding areas.

Crime remains a problem on campus. Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge said students should be vigilant on campus.

“If something doesn't feel right in your gut, it probably isn't,” Theetge said. “So change the environment you're in. Go for a walk with a friend, at least one or two friends.”

FOX19 NOW examined police records since 2021 and found that car thefts, threats, aggravated assault, burglary, rape and scaremongering are among the crimes regularly reported.

Police reports from Clifton and the UC campus list the following crimes as the most common in the area:

1. Last year, 90 auto thefts were reported. In Clifton, 27 auto thefts were reported this year, while in the previous two years, 24 thefts were reported on campus.
2. More than 50 assaults have been reported on the UC campus in the last two years.
3. In Cincinnati's CUF neighborhood, 27 assaults were reported in 2023, the same number reported in the neighborhood through July of this year.

Theetge said the increase in Kia and Hyundai thefts had impacted the numbers around UC.

“Don't leave your engine running,” Theetge said. “Lock it and take your keys with you. We've seen an increase in thefts in recent years, most of which have been Kia and Hyundai thefts.”

“The safety of all our residents is our top priority,” said UC Police Chief Eliot Isaac.

Students who spoke to FOX19 NOW said they felt safe on campus, attributing this to the presence of campus police and security.

“There are always police and security personnel there,” said student Luke Laufenberg. “I feel safe when I'm outside.”

Jake Wisneski said students should know which areas to avoid.

“You have to know where to go and where not to go,” Wisneski said. “I would say after my first year, I feel really safe on campus.”

Students will return to campus at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. The school year officially begins on August 26.

UC Police said students and the public should expect increased foot traffic when students return.

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