Living on the University of Dayton campus warrants a sense of community from students, but undergraduates also need to be aware of the dangers that can take place, especially at parties.

Officials in UD's department of Public Safety said crime has increased this year, according to a Dayton Daily News article, and Chief of Police Bruce Burt said he encourages students to engage in safe behavior.

The 2010 Campus Safety and Security Act and Fire Safety Report, available on Public Safety's website, includes crime and fire statistics from the 2007, 2008 and 2009 academic years. This report states that in 2007 and 2009, there were five counts of forcible sex offenses on campus. In 2009, there were 56 liquor law arrests reported, up from the 24 in 2008.

Larry Dickey, chief of operations for Public Safety, said Public Safety also has experienced incidents where non-members of the community have come to parties, and items have gone missing, cars are vandalized or assaults take place.

Theft of valuables is the most prevalent issue at parties, Dickey said. However, he speculated that many accounts of sexual assault often go unreported.

"Alcohol plays a role in what goes on at parties, too," Dickey said. "Girls lose their clutch purses, residents of the party end up with missing laptops, iPods, computers and other electronics. Some people become too intoxicated and just don't exercise good judgments."

Burt also addressed the issue of uninvited guests at parties and the problems that can ensue.

"If you are hosting a party, know who your guests are, and question uninvited guests," Burt said. "Call Public Safety if any unwanted persons refuse to leave your party."

Students, as well as Public Safety, have a responsibility to keep campus safe and report any incidents as they occur, according to Burt.

For party hosts, Burt suggests they keep track of guests, secure all valuables, keep an eye on any restricted areas such as bedrooms and be mindful of students consuming alcohol.

For party guests, Burt suggests they attend a party with a group of friends, know what they are drinking, drink responsibly, and respect the host and other community members.

Mom's Limo, a university-provided service that drives students around campus, can be reached at (937) 229-2124. According to the Mom's Limo website, they are open Sunday through Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Thursday through Saturday 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.

To ensure the safety of the student body, Public Safety asks for the UD community's cooperation in crime prevention. Students can contact the department of Public Safety at (937) 229-2121 for emergencies or to report any suspicious activity.

"Be responsible," Dickey said. "We all have a role to play in keeping our campus community safe."