GVL / Ella McClintock
As Halloween approaches, many young adults focus on celebrating the fall holiday with scary movies and creative costumes. However, something far more “spooky” than a scary Halloween movie is the rise in crime typically observed on college campuses during the fall.
At Grand Valley State University, the Department of Public Safety and the Grand Valley Police Department (GVPD) are prioritizing staffing, addressing theft trends on campus and preparing students for a safe night out this Halloween.
GVPD is actively recruiting police officers this fall season, and have added a new team member to enhance social media outreach. They hope to further foster an online community between GVPD and GVSU students.
GVPD officers are also addressing the ongoing trend of theft on campus. The most common items stolen are unattended bikes, scooters and items found in unlocked cars. Assistant Director of Public Safety, Captain Leah Heaton, recommends taking all valuable items out of vehicles, keeping them locked and staying within view of your vehicle when possible.
Crime tends to increase around Halloween, which is common around holidays where alcohol is consumed en masse. On average, most crimes tend to occur in the evening, especially between 7:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., which happens to be when most people go out to celebrate Halloween. The most prominent type of criminal activity that occurs on Halloween night is property theft, since most people leave their homes unoccupied. According to Every Moment Counts Security, it is advised to leave the lights on, keep doors and windows locked and to store valuables out of sight when leaving home.
Besides advice on avoiding theft, GVPD also provides tips for students on how to be safe during the Halloween season. Heaton said that an increase in parties and alcohol consumption can sometimes lead to increased criminal activity. Regardless of the season, GVPD offers many safety tips to keep students’ nights out enjoyable and worry-free.
“Students can stay safe during Halloween by making sure they have a plan for the night and not (leaving) friends behind,” Heaton said. “Let others know where you will be and have a safe driving plan for the night if you plan on drinking. If walking near roadways, have a light or reflector available so vehicles can see you.”
Another trend in criminality during the Halloween season is crimes regarding sexual violence. Between the months of August and November, 50% of sexual assault incidents occur across college campuses. Further, it is important to recognize the signs of a drink being tampered with. If a drink is excessively fizzy, has changes in taste or color, or appears foggy or cloudy, it may have been drugged.
Heaton advises students to protect themselves from the cold this coming Halloween, even if it doesn’t match their costumes.
“Dress for the weather, especially if you will be outside for periods of time,” Heaton said. “It may not look cool, but no coat over your costume in cold weather can lead to medical issues and a possible trip to the hospital.”