By Audrey Valenzuela | Staff Writer
According to the Waco Crime Map, some neighborhoods have seen a pattern of incidents such as burglaries, car thefts and violent crimes. These statistics have sparked conversations among students about what can be done to improve safety within these areas.
Clayton, Calif. junior Ben Williamson said he is concerned about the lack of public safety in neighborhoods surrounding Baylor. Williamson said even a small boost in security could potentially lessen crime in the areas that students inhabit.
“I think security cameras would be a lot more helpful,” Williamson said. “I’ve noticed many of the streets near Baylor don’t have working security cameras or any video footage available for those who fall victim to crimes.”
Baylor PD, working alongside Waco PD, provides a weekly-updated crime log for both on and off-campus areas that is made available to the public through the Clery Act. The log records crimes ranging from petty theft to assault, stalking or burglary to ensure students, faculty, staff and families are aware of criminal activity in the area.
Some students have become increasingly worried about the safety of their vehicles and personal belongings. Manchaca senior Dylan Mcclintock said that 11th Street has been experiencing some car break-ins.
“Some guys have been breaking into cars along 11th Street without breaking the windows. They didn’t steal anything of mine, but left everything open and thrown everywhere,” Mcclintock said.
Mcclintock’s experience isn’t isolated. Vehicle break-ins and other suspicious activities have become a growing concern for students and residents.
Real estate investor James Miller, who owns properties around campus, said he has also noticed an unsettling increase in unauthorized individuals roaming the area. He has caught many individuals trespassing and soliciting, some even carrying firearms.
“I’ve caught several of them in the act while working on some of the properties. One jumped the fence and hit the pedestrian button to open the gate. The rest of them came in a stolen car. I called Baylor PD, and they caught them at another nearby complex,” Miller said.
Gated housing options draw interest from students who may be concerned about crime. Some apartment complexes along South University Parks Drive and Daughtrey Avenue offer gated communities alongside key access for residents. Students residing in gated communities reported feeling safer than being gate-free.
“Having a gate around the complex does make the environment feel safer, but I know not many housing options offer gated communities,” Williamson said. “For those residing in such areas, I think adding a fence around the units could be beneficial to provide privacy.”
Some of the complexes offer video surveillance for those in contact with crime. Baylor alumnus Angel Shock had damage done to her vehicle, but there was no trace of fingerprints.
“I lived in Ursa, and I wasn’t sure if the security cameras caught anything or even worked,” Shock said. “I went to the front office asking if they noticed anyone messing with my car, and they were able to pull up the footage right there and contact Waco PD.”
Access to security footage can make a significant impact on resolving incidents quickly, according to Shock. In her case, the presence of working cameras helped facilitate communication with local law enforcement in catching the suspect.
If you or someone you know is a victim of a crime, however big or small, always report it. If you witness a crime that has not been recorded, use the CSA Incident Report through Baylor.
