Incident Description: On February 5, 2025, there were four e-scooter thefts that occurred at four separate locations on the USC campus between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. In all four cases, the e-scooters were parked in bike racks. In three cases, cable locks that had been cut were left at the scene. In the fourth case, a U-lock was used to secure the e-scooter. The e scooter and the U-lock were damaged but left at the scene (attempted theft only).
Reported Offense: Motor Vehicle Theft
Date & Time of Occurrence: 02/05/2025 5:55 p.m. – 02/05/2025 7:35 p.m.
Location: 650 Childs Way Los Angeles CA
Report Number: 2500420
Vehicle Description: None
Suspect Description (provided by reporting party):
| Age: | Unknown |
| Eye Color: | Unknown |
| Hair Color: | Unknown |
| Height: | 5’8″ |
| Race: | White |
| Sex: | Male |
| Weight: | Unknown |
| Additional Description: | Described as having a slim build, wearing a black short sleeve t-shirt, gray pants and a black and red baseball cap. Later seen with white bike helmet. |
| Weapon: | None |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Eye Color: | Unknown |
| Hair Color: | Brown |
| Height: | Unknown |
| Race: | White |
| Sex: | Male |
| Weight: | Unknown |
| Additional Description: | Suspect described as wearing blue short sleeved t-shirt, black pants. |
| Weapon: | None |
Click the link(s) below to view images related to this alert:
Image 1
Image 2
If you are in immediate DANGER, call the Los Angeles Police Department at 911 or the USC Department of Public Safety at (213) 740-4321.
Please note that race, ethnicity, gender and/or religious affiliation are NOT considered the basis for suspicion; only behaviors are considered suspicious.
If you have any questions or information relevant to the crime(s) reflected in this alert, immediately call DPS at (213) 740-6000 for the University Park Campus (UPC), (323) 442-1000 for the Health Sciences Campus (HSC) or (213) 485-6571 for the LAPD Southwest Division.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues Crime Alerts to the university community, in compliance with the Clery Act, when a criminal incident occurs within USC’s Clery geography and represents either a serious or continuing threat to the safety of students, employees and others.
The purpose of this warning is to aid in the prevention of similar crimes by alerting the community about the incident and to provide information which allows individuals to make informed decisions about their personal safety.
USC Department of Public Safety Recommendations – Motor Vehicle Theft
The following safety information is offered to reduce the possibility of experiencing a crime, improve opportunities to receive prompt assistance and to increase everyone’s ability to be an informed bystander or witness.
- If you observe a crime in progress, STAY CALM AND CALL DPS emergency for the UPC at (213) 740-4321, for HSC call (323) 442-1000 or call 911 for LAPD. Do not attempt to apprehend any suspects or perpetrators of crime. Your personal safety and the safety of others around you should be your primary concern.
- Many auto thefts are crimes of “opportunity.” Don’t leave your keys in your car. Close your windows and lock your doors whenever you leave your car, regardless of how long you plan to be gone. Park in well lighted areas. Do not leave valuables and packages in your car.
- Immediately report any suspicious activity on campus to DPS.
For other options to contact DPS, report crime, and ask for help, please visit USC DPS Report a Crime.
USC Transportation provides options to travel around USC including the Lyft Rides Program:
- Get a Ride: Lyft is now available at HSC and UPC to cover shared rides. Lyft at UPC is open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week. Lyft at HSC is open from 5 p.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday only. Please visit the USC Lyft page for more information.
- Verify your driver and car: Once you have requested a Lyft ride, you can view the driver’s rating. When your ride arrives, make sure the driver’s photo, license plate number and vehicle description match. Never take a ride you did not request or get into a car that doesn’t match the details provided by the Lyft app.
- Go the extra mile : The Lyft app’s “share your ETA” function allows you to invite friends to see your trip in real-time. The app will draft a text message you can share with friends that includes your ETA and a link to a live map that allows them to track your trip. Too much effort? Call a friend and stay on the line while you’re in the car instead.
To receive more information from USC DPS, please register for TrojansAlert:
- TrojansAlert : Register for USC’s emergency notification system TrojansAlert to allow university officials to contact you during an emergency by sending messages via text message and email. (Please note that students, staff and faculty automatically are signed up for TrojansAlerts.)
For additional USC Resources, please visit USC Report & Response.
