CAPS Website

Robbery Prevention

Did You Know?
Many of the robberies are of individual victims and are committed by one or more male robbers. Most robberies take place on the way to and from the campus, your car, your apartment, and especially shopping centers. The use of a cellular phone or headsets, whether driving or walking, is a distraction which can increase your likelihood of being robbed. Robbery is a crime of violence that threatens the safety and quality of life of a community. Robbery is a crime of opportunity that can be reduced through awareness and prevention. Robbers are serial criminals and will continue to prey on victims until arrested. One of the most important robbery reduction strategies is to arrest the criminal. Failure to report a robbery, and not prosecuting the criminal if you are a victim, not providing information to police about robbers ensures continued victimization.
Help Us Reduce Robberies
Use the Services Provided for You at USC
Use the USC Tram Service or Campus Cruiser escort service. At UPC call (213) 740-4911, at HSC call (323) 442-2100. If Campus Cruiser is not running, call DPS (213) 740-6000, to request an escort to your vehicle or apartment. Program the above numbers into your cell phone.
Walk Alertly and Confidently
Try not to walk alone. It’s a lot safer if you walk with at least one other person. Be alert, walk with your head up and do not let your mind wander. Frequently scan your surroundings, that includes behind you. When walking at night, consider a taxi cab even for short trips. Trust your instincts, avoid uncomfortable situations. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Be observant for groups of males/females driving or just hanging around. Do not take shortcuts through unlit, sparsely traveled paths such as trails, or alleys.
While at Home
Avoid standing alone outside your residence after dark. Avoid leaving your residence door unsecured. If you are suspicious of someone loitering outside your campus residence, call DPS at (213) 740-4321.
Be Smart About Cash
Carry only the amount of cash that you expect to use. If cash is needed use ATM or debit cards. Avoid outdoor ATM’s, particularly at night and those in secluded areas inside. Be alert at banks or check cashing businesses. Carrying cash marks you as a target. Avoid showing your wallet. Keep needed cash, ID, and credit cards in an accessible pocket. Do not wear expensive or expensive looking jewelry and carry as little cash as possible. Leave valuable items at home if not needed.
What To Do During a Robbery
Remain calm. DO NOT resist. Try not to be a hero. Take no action that would jeopardize your safety. Follow the robber’s directions, but do not volunteer more than asked for. If you have to move or reach, tell the robber what you are going to do and why. Assure the robber that you will cooperate. Make mental notes of: The robber’s race, age, height, sex, clothing, complexion, hair, eye color, etc. Anything unusual about the robber such as scars or tattoos. The number of accomplices and how they left the scene, direction of travel, type and color of vehicle. Get the license number if you can safely do so. Any conversations the suspects may have with one another. What the suspect’s weapon looked like so you can describe it later. Also, try to remember what the suspect touches so that fingerprints may be lifted.
After the Robbery
Go to a safe location close to the robbery scene and call DPS at (213) 740-4321, or 9-1-1, immediately. When possible, ask all witnesses to remain until the officers arrive. If a witness must leave, obtain his/her name, address, and telephone number. Witnesses should write or remember their account of the suspects and their actions. Do not discuss the robbery or compare notes about the robber’s appearance with anyone. Protect the crime scene. Try not to touch anything.