The Columbus Division of Police, the Community Crime Patrol and Ohio State University Police conducted another "burglary special" in the University District from March 19-28, 1999, while many students were away on spring break. The preliminary statistics for this period showed that reported burglaries were cut almost in half compared with the same time last year.

During the burglary special, the Columbus Police used undercover and plainclothes officers from the Patrol Bureau and Strategic Response Bureau to supplement the normal patrols in the University District in an effort to stop burglaries and related property crimes. The Community Crime Patrol also stepped up its patrols, and two University Police officers were assigned to work with Columbus officers on a daily basis.

The preliminary statistics for March 19-28, 1999, showed 22 burglary reports compared with 41 burglary reports for March 20-29, 1998. Among the reported activities, police arrested a suspect March 19 in a theft from Urban Outfitters on High Street; police arrested a suspect March 23 on charges of aggravated robbery and kidnapping; and officers arrested two suspects March 24 who were looking in windows and trying door handles. One suspect was arrested on traffic warrants, while the other was charged with criminal trespass for entering a fraternity house.

Campus Partners staff worked with the police to increase public awareness of burglary prevention prior to spring break. Property owners distributed flyers to their residents with tips on burglary prevention. The university distributed an electronic mail message to about 14,000 students living in the 43201 and 43202 zip codes warning them to take precautions against burglary before leaving for spring break.

The two police agencies and the Community Crime Patrol conducted a similar burglary special over the holiday break last December. Burglary reports for the period dropped to 53 compared with 109 the year before.

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