Vehicle theft and burglary at Cal Poly Pomona declined by 50 percent in 2008, according to data released this month by the university police.

In 2006, 52 vehicle thefts were reported. The number fell to 29 in 2007 and 14 last year. Burglaries declined from 30 to 24, and then to 12 last year.

“In the last year we’ve had students, faculty and staff all call in
suspicious individuals and circumstances,” says Chief Michael Guerin of
the University Police Department. “Additionally, our partners in
parking and facilities have been great ‘eyes and ears’ for us
throughout the campus. Couple these leads with good police work and we
made a difference.”

Deterring auto thefts can be a challenge, Guerin says, because as
many as 10,000 vehicles park daily on campus daily in widely dispersed
lots.

The campus is generally a safe place in terms of crimes against
persons as well, according to department statistics. Each year there
are very few cases of assault — sexual or otherwise. That doesn’t mean
the campus community should be complacent, Guerin says.

“Everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings and situation at
all times. If you feel something isn’t right, listen to that inner
voice and move to a place of safety or notify the police department of
suspicious individuals.”

The university offers a safety escort program on campus. In
addition, emergency phones are located in parking lot areas for
emergency 9-1-1 contact and to request services.

Annual crime statistics are released in October in compliance with
federal and state regulations. A full crime report is available online
and in pdf form. For more information or to request a copy of the
report, contact the University Police at (909) 869-4139 or email
police@cpp.edu.