Improved academics and athletics are not the only things making Appalachian State University a predominant member of the University of North Carolina System.  Campus safety, combined with a low crime rate, has also allowed ASU to shine among other state universities. 

According to the Crime in North Carolina 1997 and 1998 Uniform Crime Report, Appalachian consistently ranked better than a sampling of other state universities. 

The report categorized reports of violent crimes and property crimes, as well as a total crime index.  The report included universities such as Western Carolina University, East Carolina University and the Universities of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Greensboro and Charlotte. 

ASU ranked first for having the least amount of violent crimes reported, with 1.02 crimes per 1,000 students. 

UNCC and ECU followed with 1.10 and 1.15 crimes reported respectively.  Violent crimes include murder, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault. 

Appalachian placed second in the category of property crimes.  WCU placed first with 36.76 reports per 1,000 students.  Appalachian’s rate of 44.67 was still respectable, as UNC-CH reported 73.76 property crimes.  Property crimes consist of breaking and entering, larceny, motor vehicle theft and arson. 

Overall, ASU’s crime index total was 45.69 crimes reported per 1,000 students,  with roughly 223 crimes reported.  Again, ASU was second to WCU, which reported 38.75. 

Other crime index totals for state universities were UNC-CH at 74.98, ECU at 60.71, and UNCG at 102.32. 

 “A contributing factor to ASU’s low numbers is the fact that Watauga County has relatively low crime compared to someplace like Charlotte.  Also, our University Police are outstanding, and that helps too,” said Sgt. Stacey Sears.