Violent crimes in Thousand Oaks stay remarkably low, according to recent statistics from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. In an interview by The Acorn, Chief of Police for Thousand Oaks, Tim Hagel, said he is most encouraged by a 45 percent drop in burglaries.

“I knew Thousand Oaks was a really safe place before I applied here. My parents were particularly thrilled to hear the news and I expect that many other parents would feel the same way,” sophomore Jeff Rebello said.

With these low statistics being released, it is not only positive for the current community, but also can be an important tool in attracting prospective students to California Lutheran University. Cal Lutheran is also taking extra precautions to promote a safe lifestyle for their students.

“The P-Town Buddy Run Program is designed to increase awareness for residents on issues pertaining to student safety. The board is essentially a dry erase calendar by the water station, where students can sign up in advance of going on a run or workout later in the day, week or month. Other students can reference the board to try and coordinate workouts and avoid having to run alone, particularly after dark,” Eddie Beltran, graduate resident director of Pederson hall, said.

According to Beltran, there was an incident last year involving one of his residents, and within 24 hours his resident assistant staff had the program idea created and running.

“The goal is to keep residents safe while encouraging a healthy lifestyle and also building community. I have been really impressed with student participation, particularly those who regularly update the calendar and help give the idea real momentum,” Beltran said.

The crimes in Thousand Oaks are generally non-violent. The report stated that rape saw a 4 percent increase, but according to Hagel, this is due to the reclassification of sexual assault done by the FBI.

“Campus Safety offers a 24-hour escort service for anyone that may feel unsafe on campus,” Director of Campus Safety David Hilke, said in an email interview.

Students have assistance at their disposal if they need it. One of those is Campus Safety, who has a 24-hour phone line if help is wanted.

“Like the City of Thousand Oaks, Cal Lutheran crimes are generally non-violent and property-related. Our property-related crimes are generally crimes of opportunity,”  Hilke said.

Crimes of opportunity refer to a situation where a student may leave their room or car unlocked and the thief takes advantage of the mistake.

“A safe city ranking does not preclude students, faculty or staff from crimes of opportunity. I would like to remind everyone to lock their office or residence hall door when they are leaving the room, even for a short period of time,” Hilke said.

Rebello said it is great to be ranked as a safe city, however he wished Thousand Oaks had a more prominent downtown area for students to enjoy, because it seems like everything shuts down early.

“Thousand Oaks being ranked a safe city is something that the campus and student body should be proud of,” Hilke said. “We are all a part of the Thousand Oaks community that received the ranking.”

Makenna Pellerin
Staff Writer
Published March 16th, 2016