Students at the University of Cincinnati have joined together to create the Cincy Crime Stoppers Instagram page as a platform for Bearcats who live off-campus and have been victims of crimes to send in anonymous tips to keep the community safe. Led by Hailey Smith, a criminal justice student, the creators of the page have all had personal experiences with crimes ranging from armed robberies to break-ins, which motivated them to start the page to raise awareness about incidents near campus. The goal of Cincy Crime Stoppers is to provide real-time alerts to followers, as the creators feel that the university’s crime alerts are too vague, and to also help law enforcement by providing more tips about crimes in the area.
One tragic incident that has recently affected the University of Cincinnati community is the death of 21-year-old student Benjamin Addison, who was fatally shot while trying to stop a car theft. Despite the devastating loss, UC has not released a public statement acknowledging Addison’s death, leaving students feeling uninformed and left in the dark. The Cincy Crime Stoppers page shared the news of Addison’s death, prompting hundreds of students to share the post and express their outrage. Addison was described as a kind, loving individual who enjoyed collecting game cards and spending time with family and friends, highlighting the impact of his loss on the community.
In addition to Addison’s death, incidents of violence near the UC campus have included a double shooting that resulted in the death of a 21-year-old man and injury to a 16-year-old victim following a party. While overall violent crime has decreased during the pandemic, teen shootings and vehicle thefts in Cincinnati reached record numbers in 2023. The city recorded 55 shooting victims between the ages of 13 and 15 and a significant increase in vehicle thefts, with 1,511 Kias and Hyundais stolen in just a seven-month period. These alarming statistics underscore the importance of initiatives like Cincy Crime Stoppers in raising awareness and providing support to the community.
The Cincy Crime Stoppers page aims to not only inform students about crimes near campus but also help law enforcement by providing valuable tips and information. By sharing real-time alerts and details about local incidents, the creators hope to improve the safety and security of the university community. Despite facing challenges such as vague crime alerts from the university, the student-led initiative has made a positive impact by raising awareness and encouraging proactive measures to prevent and address crimes in the area.
The tragic loss of Benjamin Addison has deeply affected the University of Cincinnati community, with students and parents expressing outrage over the lack of response from the university. Addison was described as a loving and vibrant individual, and his untimely death has left a void in the lives of those who knew him. The Cincy Crime Stoppers page has played a crucial role in sharing information about Addison’s death and other incidents near campus, highlighting the importance of community support and vigilance in addressing and preventing crimes in the area. Through collective efforts and initiatives like Cincy Crime Stoppers, students and residents can work together to create a safer and more secure environment for all.
