Durham, NC - The newest annual crime report from Duke University's Police Department shows no dramatic increases in incidents on campus from 2006 to 2007.

The report is part of the federal Clery Act, which requires universities to publish an annual report disclosing campus security policies and three years worth of selected crime statistics.

Duke shows decreases in aggravated assault, forcible sex offense and drug law arrests and violations. There was a slight up-tick in robberies going from five in 2006 to seven last year, although four occurred on public property.

"Overall, Duke's a safe environment," said Duke Police Maj. Gloria Graham. "People take responsibility for their personal safety as well as the safety of their property. We've been making sure to tell folks that if you see something suspicious to call us, and on Tuesday, we had three different suspicious person reports."

The biggest change at Duke came in burglaries, which went from 53 in 2006 to 65 in 2007, according to the report.

Most of the burglaries involved people removing property from residence hall rooms, Graham said. The most common cases of burglary involving employees deal with forced entry into work spaces, so faculty and staff should make sure to secure their valuables or not leave them unattended.

"Burglary is probably the one thing that catches people's eyes the most -- especially in a small community like this where 65 seems like a lot," Graham said. "But a majority of burglaries are where doors are left unlocked and things are unprotected. I know it seems simple, but lock your doors."

Graham said that reports of burglaries in 2008 are already down double digits, adding that the total is down about 20 percent from the same time last year.

In the case of robberies, Graham said many happen at night. She encourages Duke community members to use van services provided by the university or Medical Center.

"The safest thing to do is not always the most popular or convenient thing to do," Graham said. "Don't compromise your safety for fun."

To see Duke's Clery report, visit www.duke.edu/web/police/cleryreport.