It seems as even though total property crime has decreased significantly in North Little Rock and Pine Bluff, which is great. But, it has increased in Fayetteville, Conway and Jonesboro. To a common person, this may not raise a brow, but seeing as though these three cities are home to Arkansas’s most populated colleges, (UofA, ASU, UCA) is there something that we are missing? Why has property crime increased in these college towns? What measures are being taken, and more importantly, what measures are not being taken? Are these crimes being reported on the college campuses? Find out. If not, where? If so, why? What are the most common crimes? Burglary? Theft? Vandalism? Have these crimes been committed on campus property, or in dorm rooms? Aren’t students supposed to feel safe of college campuses? By digging deeper into this strange trend, it may be found that there are some loopholes in campus security. What, if any, rules or regulations do each of these campuses have when it comes to student’s stolen or missing property? What are the consequences for these crimes on each campus? Dig deep into this trend to find out, if applicable the reason(s) for the increase in property crimes. In the end, we may find that this is just a coincidence.
The data and charts are correct but they could have used a little polishing, such as diverging colors and numeric labeling.
A story pitch is a formal work memo that needs to follow AP style and adopt a professional tone. Saying something “is great” is not appropriate. Also, spell out all acronyms. UofA is University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Details matter in these memos. Editors will reject a poorly written memo on its face. Believe me.
Having said that, this is a very good idea to focus on the three college towns. And you raise some very good questions here:
“Why has property crime increased in these college towns? What measures are being taken, and more importantly, what measures are not being taken? Are these crimes being reported on the college campuses? ”
This is a good pitch that delved into the state data and found an interesting trend on the college campuses. The whole presentation needed a little more polishing.
Grade: B.