With the return of students this fall, crime has increased significantly on campus and in the Starkville area.
Marcelo Mango, master police officer at Mississippi State, said a crime increase is normal in the fall semester because of the number of people present on campus.
“We’ve had a few car burglaries. More people on campus are going to attract people from off campus,” Mango said.
Starkville police captain over patrol Chris Thomas said the number of thefts from cars in Starkville usually increases when students return for classes.
“When students leave their radar detectors, purses or other valuables in their car, it’s just too tempting for some thieves,” Thomas said.
Dean of students Mike White said a few hit-and-run accidents and a car break-in have been reported since students returned for the fall semester.
“We have not experienced a huge surge in crime rates since school started back. Most of the crimes are theft, occasionally rare assaults, phone harassment and domestic disputes; very little violence.”
A lot of alcohol infractions occur, violating school policy and state laws, White said.
He said students can prevent many crimes, especially theft. “We warn students to secure their valuables and not leave them in sight in their automobiles and lock their dorms.”
Students who arrive late at night can use MSU’s escort service by calling 325-2121, he said.
“Students taking everything out of their car at night takes away the temptation of thieves, and if they have an alarm system, they should activate it,” Thomas said.
Public policy and administration graduate student Niles D. Puckett said he believes campus is safe and campus security is doing their job.
“I’ve run on campus many years, and I’ve never felt unsafe,” said Puckett.