Of all the neighborhoods surrounding the University, the one just west of it has the most crime. Unfortunately, with inadequate police coverage of the area, students need to take responsibility for their own safety.
According to a 2004 Eugene neighborhood analysis, crime in the West University Neighborhood is more than three times as prevalent as in other University neighborhoods.
Recently, Eugene Police Officers told the Emerald that the neighborhood’s large population size is a major reason for its high crime levels. The West University Neighborhood has 5,500 residents, according to the 2004 neighborhood analysis, which is roughly 2,000 more than the South University and about 3,000 more than in Fairmount.
Despite the area’s large, dense population, it is patrolled at the same level as the other neighborhoods. Sgt. Rich Stronach of the Eugene Police Department said that, on average, five police officers patrol each day in most neighborhoods surrounding the University, but ideally there should be seven. As a result of this shortage, gaps are left in police coverage.
Police officers are stretched thin, and while we’d like to call for more police enforcement in the area, the city just doesn’t have the funds. And it doesn’t look like EPD will get help anytime soon. Lane County Measure 20-114 failed in the midterm elections, and despite the fact that the measure wouldn’t have directly put more officers on Eugene streets, it would have it would have given Lane County a huge monetary boost to its jailing and prosecuting abilities.
Budget shortfalls resulted in 3,700 early releases from jail in 2005. Unfortunately, criminals will have a similar luxury in the future.
With all this crime and apparently no help in sight from local police enforcement, University students should make an effort to look out for each other instead.
? Get to know your neighbors. If you see some suspicious activity in the area you can not only report it to the already overworked police department, but also call your neighbor to make sure everything is all right.
? Create neighborhood watch programs to ensure people are keeping an eye on the area.
? Keep your house locked.
? Carry a self defense mechanism like Mace.
? Walk with a friend whenever possible, or dial 346-RIDE and get picked up by the Designated Driver Shuttle or Assault Prevention Shuttle.