(City of Columbia Reporting)

Date and Time of Incident:
June 20, 2008 between hours of 12:00 am and 1:00 am

Type of Alert:
Armed Robbery

Location:
Greene and Laurens Streets

Suspect Description:
Suspect #1: Black male,  approx. 6'-2" , 180 lbs, wearing jeans and a long white short sleeved t-shirt.

Suspect #2: Black male (no other descriptions available) 

Driving black in color 4 door Honda possibly 1998-1999.

Incident
Victim was walking home from Five Points area on Greene towards Laurens Street and was approached by a Suspect #1 with a weapon telling her to give him her purse.  She complied and he ran a few feet to black in color 4 door Honda driven by Suspect #2 heading towards Laurens and Gervais St.

   Here are several ways to protect yourself from this type of crime:

• Be alert in the community and aware of your surroundings at all times.

• Try to walk places with a friend or friends rather than alone.

• Walk and park in well-lighted, well-traveled streets.

•  Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots, or alleys.

• If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If they’re still there, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.

• Call police if you see something that seems suspicious.

• Use the nearest Call Box to alert the USC Police Department so they'll know your location and situation.

• Be wary of anyone approaching to ask for money, time, or directions. Criminals do these things to distract their intended victims.

• Trust your gut instinct; don’t be afraid to offend someone or draw attention to yourself.

• Carry a noise making device, such as a whistle or screech alarm.

• Attend a free Personal Safety Program offered by the University Police. Please contact the Office of Crime Prevention at 777-0855 or 777-4215.

Date and Time of Incident:
June 5, 2008 at 6:45 pm

Type of Alert:
Solicitation

Location:
On & Off USC Campus

Incident
Residence, both on campus and off, have recently been approached by individuals claiming to be USC students who are selling magazines to raise money for studying abroad. They have claimed to work for Prestige Sales and/or Express Sales. On June 5, 2008 at approximately 6:45pm individuals approached a residence claiming to be USC students raising money to travel to Europe. The individuals were reported to be selling books and magazines subscriptions. This also happened in April of this year at Woodrow Dorm. USC does not sponsor door to door solicitations for travel abroad students.

Here are some safety tips to remember when approached by door to door salespersons:

1. You do not have to answer your door even if they knock several times.

2. If you answer the door always asked for identification and business license that they should have on their person.

3. Never allow solicitors or strangers in your home or dorm, even if they are asking to use the restroom or asking for something to drink.

4. Be aware of salespersons who attempt to present themselves as working for specific organizations.


The University of South Carolina Division of Law Enforcement and Safety is working hard to stay abreast of crimes and how to best protect our campus community. Report activity such as this and all suspicious activity to the USC Police Department at 803-777-4215 or call 911.

Date and Time of Incident:
June 3, 2008

Type of Alert:
Assault

Location:
Flinn Hall

Suspect Description:
Black male, late 20’s, approx. 5'5" , 240 lbs, black hair styled in small twists.  Suspect was wearing black pants, a red t-shirt and dirty shoes.
 

Here are several ways to protect yourself from this type of crime:

• Be alert in the community and aware of your surroundings at all times.

• Try to walk places with a friend or friends rather than alone.

• Walk and park in well-lighted, well-traveled streets.

•  Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots, or alleys.

• If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If they’re still there, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.

• Call police if you see something that seems suspicious.

• Use the nearest Call Box to alert the USC Police Department so they'll know your location and situation.

• Be wary of anyone approaching to ask for money, time, or directions. Criminals do these things to distract their intended victims.

• Trust your gut instinct; don’t be afraid to offend someone or draw attention to yourself.

• Carry a noise making device, such as a whistle or screech alarm.

• Attend a free Personal Safety Program offered by the University Police. Please contact the Office of Crime Prevention at 777-0855 or 777-4215.

The University of South Carolina Division of Law Enforcement and Safety is working hard to stay abreast of crimes and how to best protect our campus community. Report all suspicious activity to the USC Police Department at 803-777-4215 or call 911. If you have further information regarding this individual or this case, contact the USC Police Department at 777-4215

Date and Time of Incident:
Since April 14, 2008 to Present

Type of Alert:
THEFT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

Location:
Columbia Campus, Richland County & Lexington County
Other areas around the state

Suspect Description:
No known description(s) at this time

Incident:
Since April 15, 2008 we have had multiple reported incidents of catalytic converters stolen from vehicles on the Columbia Campus.  Catalytic converters are being cut and removed from the vehicle's exhaust pipes and undercarriage.  The converters are targets because they have small traces of metals-platinum, palladium and rhodium and that can be resold on the open market.  Vehicles that may be targeted are vehicles with a higher than average ground clearance such as large passenger cars, SUVs, trucks and vans.  Nissan pick-up trucks have been the target of most incidents reported on campus and in the Midlands.  Most of the thefts are done in parking garages or store parking lots and during the day.  Please report any suspicious person to USC Police at 777-4215.
 

 

For additional safety advice and tips, contact Cpl. Kenneth Adams at 777-0855 or via e-mail adamskl@gwm.sc.edu.  Please be aware of any incidents and report ANY suspicious activities to the UNIVERSITY POLICE: 911 or 777-4215. To learn how to avoid violent crimes and how to maximize your personal safety, visit the Safety Tips page.