The UT Police Department has reported nearly 60% more incidents of theft this year-to-date in comparison to 2025, with reports concentrated in West Campus, according to a department database.

Since January, UTPD has recorded more than 100 reports of theft, with most documented in West Campus. A UTPD spokesperson said the sharp increase in theft reports is a sign that a recent partnership with the Austin Police Department has led to a more robust response to crime.

The West Campus Patrol District began nearly eight months ago after UTPD and APD established a partnership to “improve safety” in West Campus, according to a University news release. Under the partnership, nearly two dozen UTPD officers were assigned to the area, with boundaries extending to North Lamar Boulevard.

APD Commander Craig Smith wrote in an email that the increase in theft is likely a combination of heightened patrols and an actual increase of committed crime.

“It’s likely both, but patrols play a big role in perception,” Smith wrote. “Increased patrols leads to more detection, more reporting, and more visibility of crime.”

Smith wrote that West Campus is seeing more property crime, including car break-ins and bike thefts. The area is also experiencing more “nuisance crime,” such as noise or other disturbances. Despite this, Smith wrote, violent crime is low compared to other areas in the city.

According to the database, the total number of all reported incidents across campus increased by almost 57% this year-to-date at the time of publication.

Joell McNew, the president of SafeHorns, a campus safety advocacy organization, praised UT’s recent efforts to improve safety in West Campus.

“I have seen an increase of UTPD and APD patrolling, and that is huge,” McNew. “It is something we always wanted when we advocated for improved safety.”

However, McNew said the relationship between UTPD and APD in West Campus is “still growing.”

McNew said SafeHorns played an important role in securing millions of dollars in funding for security initiatives in West Campus over the last decade. The organization actively monitors crime data around campus and observes patterns in crimes over time, she said.

“You should be able to walk this Saturday, … living your best life,” McNew said. “You should not have to have your head on pivot, but that’s not the reality.”

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct percent increase of thefts in West Campus. The Texan regrets this error.