KU Public Safety releases 2020 crime data for Lawrence campus


LAWRENCE — Reported crimes were down on the University of Kansas Lawrence campus, according to statistics released today by the KU Public Safety Office.

KU Public Safety took reports of 349 criminal offenses on campus in 2020, which was a 40% decrease from 2019 and the lowest number reported in the past 10 years.

Property crimes, such as theft and criminal damage to property, continued to make up the greatest number of offenses reported on campus, but both were down when compared to previous years.

Violent crimes, such as rape and aggravated battery, were also reported, but they were a small percentage of the overall crime total.

Chief of Police Chris Keary said the number of reported crimes is not surprising considering the decrease in campus population during most of 2020.

“The numbers reflect the fact that, due to the pandemic, there were fewer students in on-campus housing, and most employees were working from home,” Keary said.  “I would like to credit the employees who remained working on campus for keeping the buildings locked and secure.”     

The Public Safety Office uses various social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, to provide tips to the community and to ask for their assistance. 

Crime statistics for the last 10 calendar years are available on the KU Public Safety website.

Fri, 02/12/2021

author

Chris Keary

Media Contacts

Chris Keary

KU Office of Public Safety

785-864-5900