The holiday season brought frigid temperatures and lower crime rates to the University.
The small student population during winter break meant fewer service calls and fewer reported crimes at the University and in the surrounding areas.
Department of Public Safety Interim Director Thomas Hicks said DPS received few calls for major crimes during the break.
“Sometimes we do see an increase in burglaries during the holidays,” Hicks said. “But we didn’t see that this year.”
Between Dec. 13 and Dec. 31, DPS made two arrests. One came from a report of an intoxicated person at the EMU. DPS also received a report of a stolen automobile valued between $500 and $9,999.
DPS received five reports of larceny. One was valued at less than $50, three were between $50 and $749 and the other was between $750 and $9,999.
DPS received six reports of criminal trespass on campus and one report of reckless endangering. The person was reported to be driving erratically. Also, DPS received three reports of vandalism with two of the incidents totaling less than $500 worth of damage.
To avoid holiday crime in the future, Hicks cautioned students to be aware of their surroundings and protect their property, especially if they are going to leave over school breaks.
The Eugene Police Department experienced lower crime rates during the holiday season as well. EPD spokeswoman Pam Olshanski said that any time school is out of session, whether for the holiday season or summer break, the police department experiences a lull in the crime rate.
“Crime levels over the holidays are typically much lighter,” Olshanski said. “We have such a low student population.”
She said that EPD receives an increase of burglary service calls outside the University area during Christmas because presents are in full view, adding that EPD gets more service calls on New Year’s Eve, especially for drunken driving and domestic disputes.
Crime rates were low in the residence halls, according to Director of Residence Life Sandy Schoonover.
“Since our buildings are so secure and there are fewer people in the halls, we see a drop in our crime rates,” Schoonover said.
University Housing instructs students to take anything of value home with them when they leave for long breaks. Friday of Finals Week, the student staff members of the residence halls inspect all rooms to ensure no hazards will be left unattended during the break.