Theft Prevention

• Lock your doors and windows, even when you’re at home.
• If you notice someone loitering outside your building or residence and it seems suspicious, report them to DPS immediately.
• Buy renter’s insurance. If you’re living in an apartment, you should insure your property. Renters insurance is affordable and much less expensive than paying to replace your property out of pocket.

• Don’t leave anything valuable in your car. Take everything with you, even if you’re just leaving your car for a few minutes. If you must leave something of value in your vehicle, lock it in the trunk (and make sure no one’s watching as you do so!).
• Keep your car organized and free of clutter. You may know that duffel bag just contains gym clothes, but a robber only sees an overstuffed bag sitting on your back seat. The messier your car is, the more tempting it looks.
• When ever possible, park in secure lots. Most break-ins around USC occur on city streets. Parking in a USC lot cuts down on risk. If you must park on the street, pick highly trafficked areas.

• Find a buddy. Whenever possible, don’t walk alone. The larger the group, the less chance you’ll be targeted.
• When walking alone, skip using headphones or taking phone calls. Robbers often target people they notice are distracted or unaware of their surroundings.
• Don’t walk alone at night. Utilize the USC Lyft Ride Program for access to free rides provided by Lyft.
• Stay aware of your surroundings. Take note of where you are and who’s around. Look behind you. Trust your instincts–if your route seems unsafe, don’t take it.
• Avoid unlit or deserted areas. They make you uncomfortable for a reason. Even if that alley is your favorite shortcut in daylight, at night opt for the long way home where there are streetlights and other people

• If you’re the victim of a robbery 

Remain calm.

Don’t resist.

Follow the robber’s directions.

Don’t argue with the robber.

Go to a safe location or the location of the nearest yellow jacket and report the crime to the DPS.

Provide as many details as possible.

• Always lock your bike to a secure rack. Bike racks are designed to prevent bicycle theft. Telephone poles are not. If there’s no room at a bike rack, find another one nearby. USC has many bicycle racks conveniently located throughout campus.
• Register your bicycle with DPS. In the event your bicycle is recovered, this will expedite the process of returning it to you.
• Invest in a U-bolt lock. Bicycles secured with chain or cable locks are easier targets.
• If possible, avoid securing your bicycle in isolated areas. The more people around, the less likely your bike will be stolen. If you plan to leave your bicycle overnight, make sure you pick a secure, well lighted, and highly visible location.

• Use Amazon lockers. Have your Amazon packages delivered to the Amazon locker site at the USC Village.
• Request a specific time or date when you will be home to accept the packages.
• Request a signature option so you can ensure delivery.
• Install a smart security camera at your front door.

We’re a tight-knit community at USC, and we all contribute to keeping our campuses safe. There are times when you may notice someone acting suspiciously on campus or in the surrounding areas. Please report any suspicious activity you see, and we’ll investigate the situation.*

*Actual or perceived characteristics such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, economic status, age, cultural group, or disability should not be considered as factors that create suspicion.