<p>Son just accepted. We know many people who live in MD and they keep telling us that there is a lot of crime on and off campus..Would like to hear from people who know and who can direct me in getting info on this topic (i.e. Campus police or College Park Police)..Thanks</p>
<p>College Park is in PG county, which isn’t a very safe place. HOWEVER, the College Park area (in and near the school at least) is a very nice and peaceful place, very little crime happens around there. The surrounding areas around College Park can be quite dangerous, but lately the police force has upped how many officers are stationed around the area, but stuff occasionally happens. I live about 5 min from College Park and i would consider it, MUCH safer than other areas in PG county. A couple links- </p>
<p>[College</a> Park crime rates and statistics - NeighborhoodScout](<a href=“The page you were looking for doesn't exist (404)”>College Park, MD Crime Rates and Statistics - NeighborhoodScout)</p>
<p>[College</a> Park crime rates and statistics - NeighborhoodScout](<a href=“The page you were looking for doesn't exist (404)”>College Park, MD Crime Rates and Statistics - NeighborhoodScout)</p>
<p>UMD College Park sends students and parents emails to update crime on campus. Just last week a student was mugged at 8pm in front of a very popular dorm. UMD campus is not as safe as many other colleges. That said at any college a student should be careful.</p>
<p>Thx for the insight and info…much appreciated</p>
<p>1) While technically right, mugged is a strong word and I don’t want people to get the wrong idea. A man stole her cell phone out of her hand and ran off. Also, it was on the mall, not in front of a dorm. Obviously not a good thing, but the way the UMD text phrased it I originally thought it was something worse.</p>
<p>2) Campus crime is quite rare. The above story is absolutely not a common occurrence. </p>
<p>3) I am a girl and I’ve never felt unsafe walking on campus alone when it’s dark (I don’t walk around really late, like after midnight). Could they have better security? Yes. But like I said, on-campus crime is rare. People walk around at night all the time and are absolutely fine. </p>
<p>4) Use common sense, and you will, in all likelihood, be fine at UMD. While not the safest place in the world, it is definitely not an unsafe campus at all. There’s so many students there too, it’s rare when campus is barren, even at night.</p>
<p>^^What Bornin92 says. :D</p>
<p>I found this information on crimes in the area. </p>
<p>[College</a> Park Crime Map - Showing Crime in University of Maryland, MD - Crime Statistics - Crime Alerts - Crime Stops Here](<a href=“http://www.ucrime.com/md/university+of+maryland]College”>http://www.ucrime.com/md/university+of+maryland)</p>
<p>I signed up for the texting/email service that reports serious issues. There really aren’t that many serious issues that go out. Only 1 or 2 on campus this year. A few issues were for off-campus.</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s that bad considering the size of the university. I have yet to be a victim. Then again two of my roommates got mugged when they were walking back from Dominos at like 4AM… luckily the scumbags didn’t snag the pizza.</p>
<p>Don’t walk home drunk (I’ve broken this rule but as a big tall guy it’s less risky… still shouldn’t have done it though). Walk in groups late at night, especially if you’re a girl. Also use the UMPD escort service!!!</p>
<p>As long as you take some precautions you should lower your chances of becoming a victim of crime by quite a bit.</p>
<p>I live in NC, and the anniversary of the UNC Sr. Class President, Eve Carson, being abducted and murdered in Chapel Hill a few years ago passed not too long ago. That helps keep things in perspective…using crime as a reason not to attend UMD just is not a valid point. Additionally, when I was in college back in the dark ages amidst the cornfields in sleepy and safe central Illinois, there were a series of rapes that occurred in the stairwells of my dorm. There are bad people everywhere, but as mortal soil says, taking precautions and being smart and aware of your surroundings helps you to not be a victim. You have to use common sense.</p>
<p>What everyone else said. You don’t need to be cautious, just be smart (e.g. don’t go wandering outside of campus by yourself or with one other person after midnight.)</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for the info and perspective…</p>