Why is crime so high in and around colleges and universities? Is it that universities are geographically located in urban areas, where some might say have a higher incidence of crime or is it that college students are out of control?

Lets subtract from the equation, the college kid who goes on a shooting rampage. That is a different story altogether, and a sad one at that.

Let us begin with some basic history of the geographical locations of colleges and universities.

In the 19th Century, religious views indicated that rural areas posed a more appropriate learning environment than urban areas because of the corruption within the city.

However, by the 20th Century, more than 50% of colleges and universities were located in urban areas. This was because most of the larger trade and commercial centers were located in urban areas.

Today, 80% of colleges and universities are located in metropolitan areas.

So where does crime come in. Is there more crime in urban areas than in the suburbs? If urban areas were more densely populated, I would say maybe. However, with the rapid growth and industrialization over the past 20 to 30 years, the suburbs are more densely populated and diverse. However, you also have to factor in the industrialization of downtown areas, the socio-economic status of urban areas as well as the suburbs.

The majority of college students are good human beings. Most students just want to have fun before they have to go out in the world on their own, financially speaking. Students know that after college the fun has to take a back seat to career objectives. I am not saying that all fun has to stop. After all, I am a college graduate and I still have fun. It is just limited. Sometimes very limited.

Lets get back to the subject at hand, crime. Are college kids easy targets for crime? They are vulnerable and naïve. This goes along with lack of experience and immaturity. That is to be expected and completely normal. They are still young. Experience and maturity will come with time. Unfortunately, this makes them an easy target.

We still have not answered the question, "Why is crime so high in and around colleges and universities? I don't think this question can be answered. I would love to hear your opinion and/or thoughts about the subject.

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Susan Eaton is co-owner of womenonguard.com a website geared towards the prevention of violent crimes committed against women. Prevention is the key. WomenOnGuard.com sells non-lethal self-defense products such as Mace, pepper sprays, personal alarms, and stun devices like stun guns. By carrying one of these self-defense products you are letting the assailant know you are in a defense mode. In most cases, this will deter the attacker and prevent the crime from happening.