Crime Prevention Tips for the Holiday Season
The holiday season has arrived, and shopping sprees have begun. Thieves use this time to look for opportunities to steal unsecured or unattended property and also to conduct fraudulent online transactions.
Here are some tips to reduce your chances of being victimized.
Package theft prevention
- If you order items from Amazon, pick up your packages at the Amazon in USC Village.
- Be at home to accept packages when they arrive. If you are not home when your package is scheduled to arrive, arrange for a roommate or friend to accept the package for you.
- DPS recommends that if you are planning to conduct an online transaction with a stranger, ask the person to meet you at the DPS station.
If you are leaving home for the holidays
- Avoid leaving your vehicle packed overnight with your luggage and other personal items.
- Make sure you close and lock your room and all exterior doors and windows when you leave.
- Use electronic timers for your interior lights, stereos or televisions while you are away. This gives the illusion that someone is at home.
- With today’s technology, there are some amazing apps that work with smart devices such as smart plugs, smart bulb, and mini cams available online for very low prices.
- Keep your bicycle in your room during the holidays while you are away from home.
- When leaving home for an extended time, have a trusted friend watch your house and have mail delivery suspended.
If you are staying home for the holidays
- Do not let anyone into your building you do not know. Avoid letting others into your building when you enter as much as possible.
- Avoid leaving doors propped open, especially exterior gates.
- Take all your valuables with you when you leave your vehicle. If you must leave your valuables in your vehicle, make sure they are not in plain sight.
- Park in well-lit and highly trafficked areas. If possible, park in a USC parking lot when you are near campus.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Put away your phone and earphones when you walk in public.
- Keep your bicycle in your room during the holidays even if you are only leaving home for a short time.
Free secured parking
- Free parking is available during the winter break for students, faculty and staff at two USC parking lots. For more information, please visit our website.
Safe Rides is available during the winter break
- For safe rides, Lyft is available during the winter break. Please visit the Transportation website for instructions and hours of operation.
If you see something, say something. Report suspicious individuals or activity immediately to DPS UPC (213) 740-4321, HSC (323) 442-1000 or LAPD (911). Save these numbers on your phone or send us a text using the LiveSafe mobile safety app.
USC Department of Public Safety