Increased reports of car break-ins around Florida State University and Florida A&M University have sparked growing concerns over student safety in off-campus housing areas. As crime rates continue to climb, many students and parents are questioning whether current security measures are sufficient to protect the universities’ large off campus populations.
The Tallahassee Police Department has reported a significant rise in property crimes, particularly targeting vehicles parked in neighborhoods near both Campuses.These incidents, which typically involve thefts of valuables such as electronics and personal belongings, have become a regular occurrence in student housing areas.
Emerald Jacobs, a FAMU student, experienced this firsthand.
“I had my car broken into while it was parked right outside my apartment,” Jacobs said. “They took my laptop and my textbooks. It feels like these kinds of crimes are happening more often, and it’s getting frustrating, they even took my volleyball bag.”
Local law enforcement attributes the rise in car break-ins to several factors, including an economic downturn and the large volume of student housing in the area, which creates a target, a rich environment for criminals. In response, police have increased patrols in affected neighborhoods and are urging residents to be more vigilant.
In addition to property crimes, concerns over potential violence in the student housing areas remain on the rise. While there have been no confirmed reports of gun violence directly related to recent car break-ins, fears persist among students about general safety conditions. The area has seen a rise in violent crimes in recent years, according to TPD statistics.
These concerns were amplified following a shooting that recently took place early morning at Forum Tallahassee, a student apartment complex on West Tennessee Street. According to a TPD news release, just after midnight, police responded to a report of gunfire at the complex. A man, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, was transported to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Savannah McCoy, a resident of Forum Tallahassee, recalled the chaotic scene: “I was in my room when I suddenly heard eight or nine gunshots back to back. It was terrifying. About 10 minutes later, I heard sirens, and soon the area was filled with people gathered around the police tape.”
This incident unfolds against the backdrop of rising gun violence in Tallahassee, leaving many residents feeling increasingly vulnerable. So far in 2025, five people have died, and three others have been injured in seven shootings, according to an analysis by the Tallahassee Democrat.
FSU President Richard McCullough has reiterated that “student safety remains a top priority,” highlighting the university’s ongoing collaboration with local law enforcement. In partnership with the Tallahassee Police Department and Leon County Sheriff’s Office, FSU helped launch the Capital Region Real Time Crime Center, which enhances data sharing and crime response in
areas around campus.
Despite these measures, many students feel more could be done. “We hear about safety tips after every incident, but it feels like a band-aid solution,” said Kaharri Bland, a FAMU student. “We need more preventive measures to ensure we’re safe living off-campus.”
For now, both universities and TPD are focused on improving security as the off-campus housing areas remain vital for their large student populations. As the semester progresses, more permanent solutions may be required to address the growing safety concerns surrounding student housing in Tallahassee.