I'm not sure of the true legit reasons behind the increased crime rates, but i read an article here earlier of the year saying Ivy League schools like Cornell in particular, has high suicide rate. And that's due to increased stress and pressure for performing and succeeding in school. As far as crime rates, when you are in a college town, everything seems to be so carefree and people do not lock their doors and that is just magnet for thieves to come in and commit crimes.