Group Initiative For Theft-prevention is a campus wide campaign targeting burglary of vehicles and vehicle theft reduction within the USC community during the Thanksgiving and Winter Recess breaks. The USC Department of Public Safety and USC Transportation have combined efforts to reduce the number of vehicles that were stolen or broken into last year during the Thanksgiving and Winter breaks.
DPS will increase crime suppression patrol, and your participation in the GIFT program will assist the crime prevention efforts. Don’t risk parking on the street and giving criminals the gift of an opportunity with your vehicle. Take our GIFT and secure your vehicle and enjoy your time away from campus.
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DID YOU KNOW? During the 2008 Holiday Break
- 10 Residential burglaries were reported
- 7 Auto burglaries were reported.
- 2 stolen vehicle was reported.
BURGLARY IS A CRIME OF OPPORTUNITY
- Burglars aim for the easiest targets
- Thieves generally enter through an unlocked door or window.
- Most burglars will give up and move on if they can’t get in quickly.
- Most auto burglaries occur when valuable items are visible.
- Most thieves will pass over vehicles without valuable items in view.
- Purchase a timer. Give the illusion that you or someone is at home by keeping a light, television, or stereo on while away from your apartment.
If you are staying in the USC area during the break
- Don’t let anyone in to your building you don’t know.
- Use electronic timers for your interior lights, stero, or television while you are away from your apartment for extended amount of time. This would give the illusion that someone is at home.
- Talk to your landlord about keeping building well lighted.
- Avoid leaving doors propped open.
- Avoid leaving valuable property in plain view inside your vehicle.
- Report suspicious persons or activity immediately to DPS UPC (213) 740-4321, HSC (323) 442-1000 or LAPD (911).
- For escorts, call DPS at (213) 740-6000, or (800) USC-TAXI. For more information, click here.
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