Violent Crimes Down, Property Crimes Up at West Virginia University

A new report says violent crimes at West Virginia University declined in 2012. But property crimes increased.

The university’s Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report shows that the number of reportable violent crimes fell 36 percent from 2011 to 2012. Reportable crimes include sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault and battery.

Meanwhile, property crimes such as burglary and motor vehicle thefts increased 9 percent.

WVU said Monday in a news release that several factors could have contributed to the decline in violent crimes. They include increased enforcement, crime prevention and education, and public behavior.

The university says the number of violent crime incidents in 2013 is expected to be higher than in 2012, but lower than in 2011.