Off-campus crime raises safety concerns

By Audrey Valenzuela | Editor

According to the Waco Crime Map, some neighborhoods have had a pattern of incidents such as burglaries, car thefts, and violent crimes. These statistics have sparked discussions among students about what can be done to improve safety in these areas.

Ben Williamson, a junior from Clayton, California, expressed concern about the lack of public safety in the neighborhoods surrounding Baylor. Williamson said even a small improvement in security could potentially reduce crime in the areas where students live.

“I think security cameras would be much more helpful,” Williamson said. “I've noticed that many streets near Baylor don't have working security cameras and there is no video available for crime victims.”

Baylor PD, in conjunction with Waco PD, produces a weekly updated crime log for areas on and off campus that is made available to the public through the Clery Act. The log records crimes ranging from petty theft to assault, stalking or burglary to ensure that students, faculty, staff and families are aware of criminal activity in the area.

Some students are becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of their vehicles and personal belongings. Manchaca School graduate Dylan Mcclintock said there have been a few car break-ins on 11th Street.

“Some guys broke into cars along 11th Street without breaking the windows. They didn't steal anything from me, they left everything lying out in the open and throwing it all over the place,” Mcclintock said.

McClintock's experience is not an isolated one. Car break-ins and other suspicious activities have become an increasing problem for students and residents.

Real estate investor James Miller, who owns property around campus, said he has also noticed a disturbing increase in the number of trespassers in the area. He has caught many people trespassing and soliciting clients, some even carrying firearms.

“I caught several of them red-handed while working on some properties. One jumped the fence and pressed the pedestrian button to open the gate. The rest came in a stolen car. I called Baylor police and they caught them at another complex nearby,” Miller said.

Gated communities appeal to students who fear crime. Some apartment complexes along South University Parks Drive and Daughtrey Avenue offer gated communities with key access for residents. Students living in gated communities reported feeling safer than those living in gated communities without gates.

“Having a gate around the complex makes the area seem more secure, but I know there aren't many housing options that offer gated communities,” Williamson said. “For residents in those areas, I think having a fence around the units could be beneficial to provide privacy.”

Some of the complexes offer video surveillance for those who come into contact with crime. Baylor graduate Angel Shock's car was damaged, but no fingerprints were found.

“I lived in Ursa and wasn't sure if the security cameras were recording anything or even working,” Shock said. “I went to the office and asked if they had noticed anyone tampering with my car. They were able to pull up the footage right there and then and contact the Waco Police Department.”

According to Shock, access to surveillance footage can make a significant contribution to quickly solving incidents. In her case, the presence of functioning cameras made it easier to communicate with local law enforcement when the suspect was arrested.

If you or someone you know is the victim of a crime, big or small, always report it. If you witness a crime that was not recorded, use the CSA Incident Report through Baylor.