West Virginia Universitys annual security report, known as the Clery Report , shows that some criminal offenses have fallen while others are on the rise.

The reportavailable at http://police.wvu.edu/home/clery_report shows a significant decline in destruction of property and thefts in 2007. Meanwhile, burglaries, robberies, sex offenses, motor vehicle thefts and aggravated assaults were up.

Crime rates tend to go in cycles, and we are looking for crime rate increases that are substantially above the three-year average,University Police Chief Bob Roberts said.If we see a trend that reflects a substantial increase over the average, we then do further research and develop plans to reduce those crime rates.

For instance, the above-average increase in motor vehicle thefts tends to reflect achop shopis operating in the area as other police agencies have also seen an increase in the offense, Roberts said. Detectives from WVU and other police departments share information and collaborate on investigations.

The above-average rise in aggravated assaults, on the other hand, reflects increased violence in society as a whole, the chief added.

Despite the increases in some crimes, WVU remains a safe campus, Roberts said.

Our campus continues to have a low crime rate, and the University Police continue to encourage community involvement in reducing crime by practicing crime-prevention techniques,he said.

The security report includes WVU campus crime statistics for the last three years and information about WVU policies related to campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of sexual assault and other crimes.

WVU issued its report pursuant to the federal Clery Act , which requires the nations colleges and universities to disclose information annually about crime on or around their campuses. The Clery Act is named in memory of Lehigh University freshman Jeanne Ann Clery, who was raped and murdered while asleep in her residence hall room in 1986.

The Clery Act requires higher education institutions to report to current and prospective students, faculty and staff on the following crimes: criminal homicide, sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft and arson.

The WVU report goes further and provides data on destruction of property, simple assault and theft. It also includes information about available support services and important phone numbers.

WVU s report also includes a notice that sex offenders are required to register with West Virginia State Police. The state makes this information available to law enforcement agencies. The information is also accessible to the public at http://www.wvstatepolice.com/sexoff/ .

To request a copy of the report, contact Lt. Randy Friend at ” rfriend2@wvu.edu rel=nofollow> rfriend2@wvu.edu or 304-293-COPS.

Information on crime prevention is available at http://police.wvu.edu/ .