As one of the best community colleges in the country, De Anza College attracts over 20,000 students annually. With this number of students on campus, an opportunity for crime exists.
“Preliminary statistics for 2010 show an increase in overall crime at De Anza,” according to Foothill-De Anza Police Chief Ron Levine. “Year-to-date statistics show an increase in burglaries (commercial, auto and vending machine) at 29, up from a total of 23 in 2009. So far in 2010, there have been 46 reported thefts, which ties the 2009 yearly total.”
Many students who have been on the campus for a while are of the opinion that De Anza College is a relatively crime-free campus.
“I haven’t noticed anything unusual. De Anza is really quiet and no one ever bothers anyone,” said psychology major James Coleman, 23, who has been a De Anza student for two years.
“My friend left her cell phone in the restroom and another girl found it. She actually called me to return the phone,” 21 year old journalism major Sakshamm Rai said.
The large student population and amount of construction at De Anza has led to overcrowded parking lots, which in turn creates more instances for accidents and petty crimes to take place.
“These trends mirror those of the local communities, which also have shown an increase in property crimes. ” Levine said. “Crimes against persons (assault, battery, robbery) are also higher than in 2009. The overall increase in crime is thought to be tied to the poor economy and unemployment.”
Some students have reported incidents of various hit-and-runs causing property damage or slight accidents, and some incidents of theft on campus.
“I had a hit-and-run on my car causing the bonnet some damage. A drunken student hit my car and two other cars. We filed a report and we also found a witness, but we couldn’t find the girl,” 20-year-old accounting major Atinder Pal Singh said.
Students have to be active participants in their own safety. For starters, people need to be aware of their surroundings by not impairing their hearing abilities with earphones. They should try making eye contact with people to let them know that they are being observed. It’s safer to park in areas that are well lit and are visible to others, which helps deter break-ins and vandalism. Try to mark property to establish ownership, which might help in returning stolen things back to the victims. And if ever stuck in a situation, try to stay calm and call 911 at your first opportunity.