On Oct. 1 at 8:15 a.m., Ashland University’s public relations sent out an email to all students with a focus on safety issues around campus. Attached to the email was a link to Ashland University’s annual crime statistics report that lists the criminal offenses, which occur on campus, otherwise known as the Clery Report. 

The Clery Report showed that alcohol violations had gone down from 142 in 2012 to 105 in 2014. While the alcohol violations had gone down, theft and larceny had over doubled, with 22 violations in 2012 and 45 in 2014 

“Ashland’s such a safe place you never would think anyone would steal from you,” said Director of Safety Services, Dave McLaughlin. 

“A vast majority of [thefts] are from unlocked residence hall rooms, its people leaving their doors unlocked,” he added. 

Along with larceny and theft, burglaries had also gone up from eight to 12 since 2012.  A common misconception is that burglaries are the same as theft and larceny.

“We classify burglaries as if someone were to break into your room, or if you leave your door unlocked and someone goes into your room that’s an unlawful entry and that’s classified as a burglary. However, something like theft from a laundry room, theft from a lobby, theft from the Eagles Nest, or anywhere in a common area, that’s a larceny or a theft,” said McLaughlin. 

While there has been a huge spike in theft and larceny, alcohol violations have decreased over the years. A reason for this is that students have gotten smarter when they drink. An AU senior who wished to remain anonymous explained how they stay away from receiving alcohol violations.

“I’ve had alcohol violations at Ashland before. Now I keep all my alcoholic beverages in certain hidden areas and I have a plan for what to do if I’m drinking and someone knocks. I also go to the bars a lot more now to avoid the risk.”

McLaughlin also pointed out how many students seem to avoid the risk of drinking on campus in areas where alcohol is not allowed.

“When people want to drink they know to go off campus… Also we have more areas that you’re able to drink at now,” commented McLaughlin.

With theft and larceny is up students are reminded to continue to lock their doors and not to leave their items unattended to in public areas. Students are also encouraged to drink wisely and in the appropriate areas if they do choose to do so.