UNM crime rates climbed in 2015

Reports of fondling nearly doubled, and auto vehicle thefts tripled

Property crime and incidents of sexual misconduct were up in 2015 compared to years past at the University of New Mexico, according to a new report made public Wednesday.

In 2015, people on campus reported 13 incidents of rape, up from 12 in 2014 and 10 in 2013. And 15 people reported being fondled against their will, up from seven in 2014. Incidents of fondling were not recorded in a separate category in 2013.

Chief of the UNM Police Department, Kevin McCabe, said in an open letter to the campus that the increased reporting of fondling incidents can be attributed to university efforts to encourage people to report such crimes.

The national Clery Act requires that all universities and colleges issue an annual public report that details crime on the campus .

“The increases cause me great concern and patrolling of the campus, and engaging with students, staff and faculty by my officers is a top priority,” McCabe said. “Every incident reported to police is taken seriously and

The University of New Mexico is seeking a student to serve on the board that governs the university.

Current student Regent Ryan Berryman’s term will end in December, and the application window to replace him is open until Oct. 7.

“Anyone who truly cares about this state and this university should consider the position,” Berryman said.

Per the state constitution, the Board of the Regents consists of seven members appointed by the governor with the consent of the state Senate. They oversee the governance of UNM. Unlike other regents who serve sixyear terms, the student regent serves a two-year term.

It’s likely the new student regent would also have a role in selecting a new president for UNM.

The Associated Students of the University of New Mexico and the Graduate and Professional Student Association, groups representing the undergrad and graduate student populations, compile recommendations that are given to President Bob Frank.