Chapel Hill apartments see crime increase

Property-related crimes are on the rise in several area apartment complexes, including some popular among University students.

Glen Lennox, Pinegate, The Park at Chapel Hill and Kingswood apartment complexes all reported larceny events in the double-digit range in 2010, according to town statistics.

Larceny, which refers to stealing property without the use of violence or fraud, has been the most frequently reported crime in Chapel Hill apartments since the first available data in 2007.

Reports also show that many of the complexes experienced problems with burglaries.

But Chapel Hill police spokesman Lt. Kevin Gunter said rising apartment crime reports doesn’t necessarily indicate a general increase in crime.

He said several factors influence higher crime rates in apartment complexes, including poor lighting and a lack of community watch efforts.

Glen Lennox, located at 5 Hamilton Road, reported 14 larcenies in 2010 — the highest number among the complexes.

“One of the reasons for the spike in crime at Glen Lennox is the widespread area of the complex,” Gunter said. “It isn’t your conventional complex because it is more like a large neighborhood with on-street parking, which influences higher levels of property crimes.”

He said high rates of crime in apartments can also be attributed to the fast rate of student turnover and the lack of precautions taken by incoming tenants.

“It’s just getting the word out that we do experience these crimes,” Gunter said. “It’s not a perfect science, but becoming engaged in community watch efforts helps complexes keep tenants safe.”

Jonathan McCay, a UNC senior and Glen Lennox resident, said even though he knows crime is occurring at the complex, he doesn’t feel threatened enough to relocate.

“We are just more careful about locking our doors and not leaving valuables lying around in view,” McCay said. “Students are more or less just taking precautionary measures at this point to ensure that their apartments are safe and secure.”

He said the complex also updates residents on safety issues and concerns when they arise, which he thinks is helpful.

Chapel Ridge and nearby complex, Chapel View, are also popular residences among University students.

Although crime has not dramatically increased in the apartments, the number of larcenies at Chapel View has fluctuated in the last three years, peaking at six in 2009.

But Chapel View management say they have taken preventative measures to combat crime.

Tyler Turner, apartment community assistant, said apartment management tries to confront potential risks quickly before they become a problem.

“We just installed new lights around the entire property so the area is well-lit and safe, which is a big draw for residents,” he said.

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