CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE : Campus Crime Shows Increase

An increase in crime at Cal State Northridge coincides with a 10% cutback in the campus police operating budget, a university public safety spokesman said.

“Last year, there were 47 crimes reported in September. This year, we had 85,” said Mark Hissong, CSUN’s administrative lieutenant for public safety.

Incidents reported this semester include an assault on a female student at CSUN’s University Park Apartments, the newest dormitory on campus. The student said a pellet gun was shot at her.

Three CSUN football players face charges ranging from felony assault to interfering with an officer after a Sept. 14 altercation at the same dormitory, campus police reported. In another incident, a student made a citizen’s arrest after his roommate brandished a knife against him in their dorm room. A misdemeanor charge was filed.

Nevertheless, incidents of violent crime--primarily assaults--are only slightly up. The most significant increases involve theft and vandalism, Hissong said.

Last September, there were three reported incidents of vandalism compared to 17 this year. Thefts, police statistics show, have increased from 38 to 56 this year.

The increase in vandalism includes reports of scratched cars, broken ceiling tiles and writing on newly painted walls, Hissong said.

There were seven vehicle thefts reported in September, whereas none were reported for the same period in 1989. Included in the statistics for theft, Hissong said, are increased instances of stolen parking decals.

“A lot of the activity is not a result of student actions,” said Mike Sugar, CSUN operations lieutenant for public safety.

Campus police face a budget cutback of approximately $150,000, although that amount may be less, depending on a final decision from the state Department of Finance.

Currently, CSUN has 23 officers patrolling a campus of more than 30,000 students.