TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The University of Arizona Police Department is ramping up patrols and safety outreach as students return to campus ahead of the first week of classes.
UAPD Police Chief Chris Olson said property crimes continue to lead campus crime statistics, with between 400 to 500 cases each of vandalism and larceny reported, along with about 240 disorderly conduct cases.
A full detailed 2025 crime sheet is attached at the end of the article.
"We're a target-rich environment with bicycles, backpacks and vehicles," Olson said.
Olson said many incidents involve people coming onto campus to commit crimes,rather than student-on-student crime.
"There's a lot of opportunity to steal things, vandalize things around this college campus," Olson said.
To address the influx of activity at the start of the semester, UAPD is doubling its staffing over the next two weeks.
"We double our staffing efforts to ensure that the students and the parents who are moving the students in feel safe and we are on the lookout for any criminal activity," Olson said.
Full crime statistics for 2026 have not yet been released. Those numbers are expected in October.
Olson noted that disturbances can sometimes escalate.
"College is an exciting time and typically alcohol can be involved, so we'll go from disturbances to sometimes some assaults," Olson said.
Tailgating — when someone follows another person into a building without scanning their own key fob — is also a concern for the department.
KGUN 9 previously reported on tailgating incidents raising concerns among some students last semester.
SEE SIMILAR CRIME COVERAGE: Complaint: UA student fights off two men who forced their way into her dorm room
"Tailgating is something we are concerned about. We have an incredible relationship with our housing director and they do a lot of education with the community directors," Olson said.
Olson is also urging students to improve their situational awareness, particularly at night.
"Be aware of their surroundings. We see them all the time around campus with two earbuds in their ears and that is a terrible thing to do, especially at night. Just wear one of them and leave the other ear open," Olson said.
UAPD is encouraging students to download the SafeCats app, which provides real-time alerts, location sharing with a friend and a direct link to campus police.
"It's the best way to be alerted," Olson said.
See a more in-depth look at campus crime statistics below:
PART I CRIMES
• Aggravated Assault — 8 reported cases
Assaults involving serious injury or the use of a weapon.
• Arson — 3 reported cases
Intentionally setting fire to property, buildings, or vehicles.
• Burglary — 59 reported cases
Unlawfully entering a building or structure to commit a crime, usually theft.
• Forcible Rape — 8 reported cases
Non-consensual sexual assault involving force or threats.
• GTA Stolen — 33 reported cases
Motor vehicles reported stolen or taken without permission.
• Homicide — 0 reported cases
Killings classified as criminal homicides.
• Larceny — 422 reported cases
Theft of personal property without the use of force, including shoplifting or stolen belongings.
• Robbery — 1 reported case
Theft involving force, intimidation, or threats against a victim.
PART II CRIMES
• Assault/Other — 70 reported cases
Physical altercations or assaults not classified as aggravated assault.
• Death — 1 reported case
Non-criminal or unattended deaths investigated by police.
• Disorderly Conduct — 241 reported cases
Disruptive or aggressive behavior disturbing public peace.
• Disturbance — 46 reported cases
Calls involving fights, loud incidents, or public disruptions.
• DUI — 31 reported cases
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Embezzlement — 0 reported cases
Theft or misuse of money entrusted to someone.
• Fire — 10 reported cases
Reported fire incidents not classified as arson.
• Forgery/Counterfeit — 0 reported cases
Crimes involving fake documents, signatures, or counterfeit items.
• Fraud — 104 reported cases
Deception or scams intended to obtain money, services, or property.
• Liquor Laws — 172 reported cases
Violations involving alcohol possession, consumption, or distribution.
• Narcotics — 96 reported cases
Drug-related offenses involving possession, use, or distribution.
• Offenses (Bomb Threats) — 2 reported cases
Threats involving explosives or suspicious devices.
• Other Offenses — 79 reported cases
Miscellaneous criminal violations not categorized elsewhere.
• Sex Offenses — 14 reported cases
Sexual crimes other than forcible rape.
• Threats — 23 reported cases
Reports involving intimidation or threats of harm.
• Vandalism — 466 reported cases
Intentional damage or destruction of property.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
——
Marc Monroy joined KGUN 9 as a multimedia journalist after moving from KGUN 9’s sister station, KXXV, in Waco, Texas. He graduated from California State University, Northridge, in 2024 with a degree in journalism. A native of Southern California and a bilingual reporter, Marc is excited to serve Southern Arizona and looks forward to connecting with neighbors in the community. Share your story ideas and important issues with Marc by emailing marc.monroy@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
