In the United States, a vehicle theft occurs every 32 seconds, a startling statistic that is even more shocking in Maryland, where a vehicle is stolen every 47 minutes. The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) students have taken a stand against this rampant crime by participating in the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest. This initiative not only highlights the frequency of vehicle thefts but also the fact that 60% of these thefts involve unlocked cars, with 50% having the keys left inside.
The annual contest is a collaborative effort between the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, the Maryland State Police, and the Maryland/DC Anti Car Theft Committee. It provides CSM students with an opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world setting while contributing to the safety of their communities.
CSM's commitment to combating vehicle theft was showcased last month during an event to honor the contest winners. "It's so exciting to see all of the creativity from all of these students who are making a difference in our community and our state," remarked David Robinson, CSM Dean of the School of Liberal Arts. The event was attended by notable figures including CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson, Associate Dean of Liberal Arts Dr. Stephen Johnson, Digital Media Production Program Coordinator Professor Olaniyi Areke, Director of the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council Chris McDonold, and President of the MD/DC Anti-Car Theft Committee John Cadigan, who all praised the students' efforts and awarded cash prizes to the winners.
The winning PSAs, both video and audio, will be featured on the Maryland State Police website and utilized in public awareness campaigns throughout Maryland, aiming to educate the public on how simple practices, like locking vehicles and not leaving keys inside, can significantly reduce the incidence of vehicle theft.
Twelve students were recognized for their contributions to nine winning entries, demonstrating a wide range of creativity and commitment to public safety. Video category winners included teams and individuals such as Jack Goodwin and Madelyn Minichino, Michael Couch and Joseph Strine, Sean Coffren, Aiden Kaleta and Monique Butler, and Giovann Beard. The audio category highlighted the talents of Abigail McDanal, Christopher Bowen, Grady O'Neill, and Rebekah Beverly.
This initiative not only showcases the talents of CSM students but also serves as a critical reminder of the power of community involvement in preventing crime. Through their creative endeavors, these students have taken an important step toward making Maryland a safer place to live.
No comments:
Post a Comment