News Summary
Tallahassee is facing alarming increases in crime rates, particularly around Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU). Students report feeling unsafe with a rise in car break-ins and violent incidents, including a recent shooting. Local law enforcement has increased patrols in response, but many residents feel current measures are insufficient. Both universities are collaborating with police to enhance safety protocols as concerns grow about the crime climate affecting student life and well-being.
Tallahassee Residents on High Alert as Crime Rates Soar Around FSU and FAMU
The vibrant city of Tallahassee is experiencing a worrying surge in car break-ins and violent crimes, particularly in the neighborhoods surrounding Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU). As students settle into their academic routines, this unsettling trend is raising some serious safety concerns.
Students Feel Vulnerable in Off-Campus Housing
Recent reports indicate a disturbing increase in property crime, with the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) noting that vehicle thefts and break-ins have become increasingly common. Many students, who often have valuable items like electronics and personal belongings in their cars, are now feeling the heat. One FAMU student shared her harrowing experience when a thief broke into her car parked right outside her apartment, making off with her laptop, textbooks, and even her volleyball bag.
Law enforcement officials are linking this uptick in crime to the ongoing economic downturn and point out that with such a high concentration of student housing, the area is an attractive target for criminals. It’s disheartening to think that many young adults trying to get their education are now facing the burden of worrying about their personal safety.
A Spike in Violent Crimes Adds to the Unrest
Alongside the property crimes, there’s also an unsettling rise in violent crimes in the area. TPD statistics reflect increasing incidents, including a recent shooting at Forum Tallahassee, a popular apartment complex for students. Thankfully, the victim survived, but the chaos that followed left many residents shaken as the sounds of multiple gunshots echoed through the complex.
For the year 2025 alone, the city has reported several violent incidents, including five deaths and multiple injuries tied to shootings. These startling numbers have amplified fears and raised questions about safety among students and their families alike.
Increased Patrols as Crime Response Measures
In light of these alarming developments, TPD has stepped up patrols in the affected neighborhoods. Local authorities are actively urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Nonetheless, many students are expressing that current measures feel insufficient, describing them as “band-aid solutions.” There’s a growing sentiment that what’s needed are proactive security initiatives that genuinely address the uptick in crime.
Efforts by the Universities to Ensure Student Safety
Both FSU and FAMU are working closely with local police to enhance their crime response strategies. They are focusing on improving cooperation with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office through the Capital Region Real Time Crime Center. The leadership at FSU has reiterated that student safety remains a top priority. Still, many students feel that efforts need to be ramped up further, especially as the need for secure off-campus accommodations becomes ever more pressing.
Rising Crimes on College Campuses
The crime rate on college campuses, including both FSU and FAMU, has shown a troubling trajectory. Data reveals that crime increased by almost 20% between 2020 and 2022, with burglary and motor vehicle theft leading the list of offenses. FSU specifically reported 74 criminal incidents in 2022, with an alarming spike in acts of violence against women, which jumped from eight to eighteen incidents during the same period.
Likewise, FAMU has seen an increase in reported crimes with figures climbing from eleven incidents in 2020 to twenty-one in 2022. It’s distressing to note that violence against women at FAMU also surged from a single incident in 2020 to eight in 2022.
Contrasting Trends at Tallahassee Community College
Interestingly, it’s worth highlighting that while crime rates are on the rise at FSU and FAMU, Tallahassee Community College has reported a decrease in overall crime since the pandemic. This underscores the need for both universities to explore tangible measures to keep their students safe amid a backdrop of increasing crime.
As the semester unfolds, students and residents alike in Tallahassee are hopeful for effective solutions that will allow them to feel secure in their communities once more.
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Additional Resources
- The Famuan: Car Break-Ins & Gun Violence Raise Student Housing Safety Concerns
- Tallahassee.com: Data Shows Rising Crime at FSU
- Biography: Ted Bundy
- BBC: Why is Florida Breaking Up with Spring Break?
- News-Journal: Cars on Florida Beaches and Spring Break
