KU public safety releases 2019 crime stats, says reports dropped 22%

KU Office of Public Safety patrol vehicle, pictured June 2016

The 483 crimes reported to the University of Kansas’ Public Safety Office in 2019 were the lowest in the last decade, KU announced in a news release Friday.

Theft and vandalism remain the most reported crimes on the Lawrence campus, but those numbers also dropped in 2019. The office received 103 reports of theft last year, down from 150 the year before.

“It is particularly gratifying to see our community members doing their part by reporting all crimes that occur, reporting any unusual or suspicious activity, and following our social media,” Chief Chris Keary said in the release.

According to the full breakdown of the office’s crime reports, it received three reports of rape in 2019 — the only sex crimes reported to the office during the calendar year.

The office received 108 reports of drug-related offenses in 2019 — 50 for the use of “drug equipment” and 58 for “violations,” meaning the use or sale of illegal drugs.

Keary credited KU’s investment in security technology, such as cameras and card-access systems that improved building security across the KU campus, as key factors in the lower crime numbers.

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