Data-driven strategies and community policing lead to consistent decreases in crime each year, while a vehicle defect leads to an increase in auto thefts.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) remains one of the safest areas in downtown Baltimore, with instances of crime consistently declining since 2022 (see Figure 3 at bottom of article). UMB Police and Public Safety uses data-driven strategies, high visibility, and proactive community outreach to create a highly effective policing model.
“The data shows that we’re consistently improving every year,” said Thomas Leone, MSL, assistant vice president for public safety and chief of police. “It takes everyone working together, so I want to applaud our students and employees for taking small steps to keep our community safe.”
Despite the steady decrease in crime, the University saw an increase in attempted and stolen vehicles. Of the 10 attempted and stolen vehicles, nine were Kias and Hyundais (see Figure 1). This follows a national trend of Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts due to a social media trend that demonstrated how to steal the cars. In 2023, they were the most stolen vehicles in the United States, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
“Owners of these vehicles should reach out to their dealership immediately for free security upgrades,” Leone said. “Parking inside a UMB garage, where security officers and parking attendants regularly patrol, can also prevent auto theft.”
In 2024, UMB Police and Public Safety gave away 720 free steering wheel locks to help prevent vehicle thefts. On March 20, the department will give away nearly 100 more free steering wheel locks. Anyone is eligible to receive a free lock on a first-come, first-served basis. The event will take place at the SMC Campus Center first floor lobby from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. while supplies last. Follow @PoliceUMB on Facebook, Instagram, and X and sign up for the Public Safety Newsletter for details on future wheel lock giveaways.
“Kia and Hyundai owners are most impacted, but a steering wheel lock is a simple way for anyone to deter crime,” Leone said. “We encourage all members of our community to come pick up a lock — and make sure you use it!”
Thefts on campus have fallen by nearly 50 percent since 2022. Most thefts are unsecured property, including wallets, purses, and other valuables left inside unlocked desk drawers, in unlocked offices, or sitting on the floor (see Figure 2). Locking valuables inside your office, desk drawer, or vehicle’s trunk can help prevent theft. If you need to take valuables with you, secure them inside a zipped backpack or bag.
Bicycles are the second-most-stolen item. Thieves can quickly cut a cable lock and get away.
“Cable locks are inexpensive and easy to carry, but, unfortunately, they’re also easy to cut,” Leone said. “A high-quality U-lock that passes through the bike rack, frame, and wheel can help keep your bike secure.”
The key to preventing bicycle theft is using a lock correctly:
- Make sure the lock is closed and secured. Turn the key and/or scramble the combination and give the lock a tug before walking away.
- Place your lock around the bike rack, bike frame, and tire. Consider using a second steel cable lock through the front and back tires.
- Make sure your bike can’t be lifted over a street sign or pole.
- Take loose valuables (e.g., helmets, lights, baskets) with you when you leave.
- Take your bike with you; don’t leave bikes outside overnight.
Crime across the city of Baltimore also fell in 2024. Even so, UMB remained far below the city’s average crime rate. Proportionally, just 3.5 crimes were committed at UMB per 1,000 people last year. In Baltimore, that number was 55.4 per 1,000 people. Less than one crime per 1,000 people occurred at UMB in each category except for thefts (see Table 1).
Here is how you can do your part to help keep crime low at UMB:
- Be informed: Get the right information at the right time so you can make the right decisions.
- Follow UMB Police and Public Safety on social media.
- Subscribe to the monthly Public Safety newsletter.
- Update your information in UMB Alerts for emergency information and weather-related closings.
- Program our number in your phone: 410-706-6882. In an emergency, always call 911!
- Be aware: Avoid distractions and always trust your gut.
- Put away cellphones and headphones. Keep your head up!
- If you notice someone entering a secure UMB building without swiping their UMID or signing in, let our security officer know right away.
- If you see suspicious activity, alert a police or security officer right away or call 410-706-6882. What’s considered “suspicious activity”? Recognize the signs.
- Be proactive: Small changes can have a big impact!
- Travel in groups along well-lit pathways whenever possible or request a Safe Walk or Safe Ride.
- Secure your valuables, including bicycles, vehicles, phones, and other technology.
