USA releases crime statistics

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The University of South Alabama Police Department released crime stats for the year 2011.

This release comes just days after a student was robbed while doing laundry in one of the campus dorms. The Fire and Safety Report is 28 pages detailing crime statistics on USA’s campus from 2009-2011.

Police Chief Zeke Aull said he is pleased with the report.

"Overall, I would say we're down. So I'm pleased with that," said Aull.

According to the data only a few types of crime showed an increase in 2011, but the offenses were serious.

There were three robberies in 2010. Last year, that number doubled to six. Six motor vehicles were stolen in 2010 and 10 in 2011.

One highlight was USA’s first murder in 2011 in several years.

"It’s just one of those unfortunate situations," said Aull.

There was also a dramatic increase in alcohol and drug arrests. In 2010, only two people were arrested for alcohol offenses. In 2011, there were 44. Fourteen drug arrests occurred in 2009. That more than doubled in 2011 with 29.

Aull said the increases were likely because officers are paying more attention to the problem.

"Some of the increases we have had we can attribute to enforcement," said Aull.

As the end of 2012 nears, students like freshman George Moore are confident in their police force.

"I see them quite often so, if there is something going on, I am pretty sure they are on top of it,” said Aull.

So far this year, there have been two major incidents. Both happened in the Delta dorms. Aull says it’s not an area of concern, but they are taking notice and increasing officer presence the area to fight crime.

In April, the campus was on lockdown after suspects fired a shot during an armed robbery in the Delta 4 residence hall..

Just last week, on Sept. 27, a student was robbed while doing laundry. That hasn’t concerned freshman Cody Cassidy.

"The one who's worried the most is my mom and grandmother," said Cassidy.

After hearing about the incident last week, his grandmother, Linda Warner, paid Cassidy a visit.

"We kind of keep a good eye on our young-uns out there in Wilmer and we've just been scared to death, and we have heard a lot of things. Some are true, some ain’t,” said Warner.

Warner said she too is confident in campus police. Chief Aull said, if the trend continues, overall crime at USA will be down , more in 2012.

More college crime reports (external links):

Click here to view the full report from the USA Police Department.

To check out Spring Hill College's crime report click here.

The University of West Florida also released a crime report.

The US Department of Education has several tools for information on campus crime.