The University of Nebraska‑Lincoln (UNL) has published its most recent campus‑crime statistics, offering a clear snapshot of safety trends for students, staff and the surrounding Lincoln community. The data cover the three‑year period from 2023 through 2025 and highlight both areas of concern and encouraging declines.
Crimes on the rise
According to the report, the three offenses with the largest percentage jumps were alcohol violations, stalking and motor‑vehicle theft. Alcohol‑related incidents rose from 392 cases in 2023 to 535 in 2025, a rise of roughly 36 percent. Stalking cases increased dramatically, climbing from nine reported incidents in 2023 to 40 in 2025, more than a four‑fold increase. Motor‑vehicle theft also more than doubled, with twelve incidents recorded in 2023 compared with twenty‑eight in 2025.
Crimes that declined
In contrast, several serious offenses saw a downward trend. Rape reports fell from twelve cases in 2023 to eight in 2025, reflecting a reduction of one‑third. Burglary numbers dropped sharply, decreasing by nine incidents over the same period – from thirteen reported burglaries in 2023 to just four in 2025.
What the numbers mean for Lincoln
University officials emphasized that the report is intended to inform the campus community and help local law‑enforcement partners allocate resources effectively. While the rise in alcohol violations and vehicle thefts is concerning, the decline in burglary and rape suggests that targeted safety initiatives may be having a positive impact.
UNL’s Campus Safety Office encourages students and staff to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity promptly, and take advantage of available prevention programs. The university continues to work closely with the Lincoln Police Department to address the upward trends and maintain a safe learning environment.
Community response
Local residents and parents have expressed mixed reactions. Some appreciate the transparency of the university’s reporting, noting that awareness is the first step toward improvement. Others urge the administration to strengthen alcohol‑education programs and increase patrols in high‑traffic parking areas to curb vehicle theft.
University President Rodney D. Bennett reiterated the institution’s commitment to safety, stating, “We take these statistics seriously and are dedicated to providing a secure campus for all members of our community. Ongoing collaboration with law‑enforcement and continued education efforts are essential to reversing the concerning trends.”
Looking ahead
The next UNL crime report is scheduled for release in 2026, and officials plan to compare the new data with the 2023‑2025 figures to assess the effectiveness of any policy changes or safety initiatives implemented in the interim. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and participate in campus safety forums when they are offered.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
