Campus crime took an unusual turn last school year and the University Police Department is trying to prevent it from happening again.
From thefts to assaults, Ball State University experienced crimes the campus isn't used to last year, Gene Burton, director of Public Safety said.
"Last year there was an armed robbery by [Scheumann] Stadium. It had been so long since there had been one," he said. "It's very unusual for us."
Burton said he isn't sure if the campus crime rate increased last year and he doesn't know if those types of crimes will carry over into this year.
"In the course of the investigation we discovered the suspects didn't come to campus specifically to rob someone, they were there to break into cars," he said. "It was just one of those things that just happened."
The robbery and other thefts took up most of UPD's time last year, Burton said.
The time is well spent because student safety is Ball State's main priority, Kay Bales, vice president of Student Affairs, said.
"For some students, the university has a higher population than their hometowns. We're just trying to keep them safe," she said. "What we have to do is take every report of an incident seriously."
Bales said the university has always stressed the message that students need to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity.
Burton said although it's difficult to prevent crime, UPD is taking steps to try to spread the same message and to promote safety and security on campus.
"We have been able to dedicate more of an officer's time to crime prevention," he said. "He'll be the lead officer for us in our outreach programs. He's available for talks to any group that needs it."
Students should always be aware of their surroundings and take precautions when traveling at night like not walking by themselves, traveling in well-lit areas, letting their roommates know where they're going and using common sense, Burton said.
Students shouldn't try to take matters into their own hands, Burton said. Carrying things like pepper spray is a personal choice, but students need to consider the consequences and be properly trained.
"I've never recommended [pepper spray] unless a person is trained, and personally, I think there's as much potential for harm by carrying it," he said. "My only recommendation is to weigh the pros and cons."
Burton said students shouldn't hesitate to call UPD if they need help.
"Our department is a phone call away," he said. "We're here to serve the campus community."
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