Reported crimes dropped significantly over the first half of 2026 in the DU local area and have continued a downward trend over the past 12-18 months. The University of Denver’s surrounding neighborhoods, University & University Park, continue to be among the safest neighborhoods in the City of Denver. The City of Denver also saw significant drops in reported crime over the past 6 months.
Reports show a significant drop in crime compared to the same period in the prior year. The latest neighborhood data provided by local police and reported by The Denver Post outlines the Year-Over-Year (YOY) changes by category:
Car Thefts, a major problem in the past, tumbled by 63.0% (20 incidents vs. 54 last year). Violent Crime decreased by 55.0% (9 incidents vs. 20 last year). Drug Crimes decreased by 50.0% (4 incidents vs. 8 last year). Robberies decreased by 40.0% (3 incidents vs. 5 last year). Property Crime decreased by 13.0% (200 incidents vs. 230 last year). Burglaries decreased by 2.9% (33 incidents vs. 34 last year). Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault dropped to 0 reported incidents, down from 10 and 4 respectively. The only category increase were bicycle thefts. Bike Thefts increased by 10.5% (21 incidents vs. 19 last year).
The University neighborhood had positive results in the first half of 2026 but had increases in crime in several categories:
Car Thefts, nearly cut in half, decreased by 55% (9 incidents vs. 20 last year). Violent Crime increased by 33% (14 incidents this year). Drug Crimes increased 100% (2 incidents vs. 0 at this same time last year but a relatively insignificant number). Robberies increased by 50.0% (4 incidents vs. 2 last year). The biggest category, Property Crime, decreased by 13.0% (113 incidents vs. 133 last year). Burglaries increased to 16, a 15.4% jump. There were 5 reports of Sexual Assault, a 33% increased over the prior YTD results. The University neighborhood saw 26 bicycle thefts in the reported period, up 23.8% from the prior comparable period (21). Bike Thefts: Increased by 10.5% (21 incidents vs. 19 last year).
While property crime makes up about 55% of total offenses across Denver, it represents 71% of all crime in University Park and University, driven largely by bike thefts and thefts from motor vehicles. Conversely, violent crime is exceptionally rare, making up just 2% of the neighborhood’s profile compared to 5% citywide.
To track daily security shifts around the campus boundary specifically, you can monitor the University of Denver Campus Safety Logs.
Good news coming from a resident of University Park. I have noticed an uptick in homeless people wandering around the neighborhood which is odd considering there are no services or business once we get off University/Colorado blvd.
Also been more abandoned vehicles without tags which I really don’t understand.
On the whole still a very nice, relatively safe feeling city neighborhood. Hidden gem compared to other Denver neighborhoods honestly