Crime in and around both campuses of VCU has been happening for decades. The difference today is tweeting, texting and legislation regarding a duty to inform. The crime won't go away until the punks and thugs disappear. We can change things one person at a time. Patience is a virtue.
Crime has been happening since the beginning of time and since time memorable criminals have gone to the areas of greatest opportunity for them - those rich with targets of opportunity for them. While advances have been made in the methods of reporting the crimes (after they occur), the fact remains that VCU leads the state supported universities in violent crimes.
We do change things one person at a time, but how much better to improve the odds for complete classes (pun intended) all at the same time: students, staff and employees. The benefits of reduced violence in this area would effect not only these people, but the merchants and residents surrounding VCU campuses. The entire city would thereby benefit. The real difference happens when those at risk have the means to defend themselves.
Patience is a virtue? Not always - tell that to a young lady facing a determined rapist or a young man standing alone against 4 or 5 attackers - reminds me of "just give them what they want." Of course that might be their life or virtue, rather than their cell phone. I will not stand by and patiently watch others suffer such trauma.
Worst of all is that the lives, virtues and cell phones do not belong to those offering them to the criminal element. It should not, must not, be theirs to give.