How should each instance of motor vehicle theft be counted?

Each instance of motor vehicle theft should be counted as one offense for each stolen vehicle. This approach aligns with the guidelines set forth in the Clery Act, which requires institutions to accurately report crime statistics to provide a clear picture of campus safety. By counting each stolen vehicle individually, institutions can ensure that the reported data reflects the true extent of crime on campus, impacting both policy decisions and the perception of safety by students, staff, and the community.

Counting only one offense for all stolen vehicles would underreport the actual number of thefts occurring, thereby providing a misleading statistic. Choosing to count only certain types of vehicles or only attempted thefts would similarly dilute the data and fail to comply with the Clery Act’s requirements for comprehensive reporting. Therefore, accurately counting each stolen vehicle as a separate incident offers a more complete and responsible measure of campus safety regarding motor vehicle theft.