Stadium Increases Crime Around U of M Campus?

There is an increase in crime around the University of Minnesota. Some say it has to do with the stadium, others claim that's not the case.

According to University of Minnesota Police, disorderly behaviors in the neighborhoods around campus are up about 30 percent. Many blame the large crowds attracted by the new $250 million stadium, but police disagree.

So far, the single busiest weekend for university police was during the away game against northwestern. They had a total of 89 arrests for everything from assaults to loud music. Police say the main factors appear to be good weather and a large influx of young males who don't attend the University of Minnesota.

In 2008, there were a total of 85 arrests during the Gophers home opener at the Metrodome, compared with 73 this year. While the incidents for the two homecomings were nearly identical, alcohol-related crimes have doubled.

The number of incidents has steadily decreased as students become more involved in their school work, but police say, they expect a busy night on October 31.

Police admit something is different but insist it is not TCF Bank Stadium. At the beginning of the school year, they began an enhanced police program which puts 12 officers in this area to try and combat crime. They'll also try focusing on 15th Ave SE.