Thousands of new freshmen have moved away from home for the first time to attend the University of Oregon.

Nestled in a serene park-like setting, 20,000 students attend the University of Oregon, which means the college has its share of crime.

According to the latest statistics available from 2005, the university investigated eight forcible sexual offenses, 148 drug violations, 359 liquor law offences and 71 burglaries.

The university’s Department of Public Safety said many of the crimes center on bicycle theft.

“I just hear there’s a lot of people who don’t go to school here who come to steal bikes or whatever they can get. That’s why we were told not to let anybody into the dorms,” said student Mali Hansen.

Hansen said she had a personal experience with burglary when her roommate’s computer was stolen from their dorm room.

“I think they caught the guy. He was going from dorm to dorm. He was getting in pretty easy,” said Hansen.

Safety officers said alcohol abuse at sporting events can also cause problems on campus.

Officers warn students to not walk alone at night. If they feel threatened, there are emergency buttons posted throughout campus that can summon immediate help.

At least one student said he was impressed with the honesty at the U of O after he lost his wallet on a busy street and had it returned.

“It had like $400 in it and it was still there. I feel really good about the people here,” said Matthias Crandall.

New crime statistics for the University of Oregon will be published in 2008.

Crime On U of O Campus Centers Around Bicycle Thefts