Division of Law Enforcement and Safety

UPDATED 04/13/2012

.....

Type of Alert: Assisting Other Agency - Sexual Assault / Kidnapping

Date and Time:
April 13, 2012 around 2:45 a.m.

Location:
5 Points

Suspect Description:
Sex:	Male	Race:	White
Vehicle:	Blue Taxi Cab	Weight:	Skinny
Other:	Beard

Incident:

At approximately 2:45 a.m., a student took a cab from 5-points to her residence. Before being dropped off, the taxi driver solicited her to perform sexual acts on him. The victim refused, and the taxi driver would not bring her back to her residence. He continued to drive her around and attempted to physically force her to perform sexual acts on him. When she again refused, the driver took her back to her residence and left the area. The subject was described as a skinny, white male with a beard driving a blue cab. The victim was not physically injured. The case is being investigated by the Columbia Police Department.

Members of the Carolina Community are encouraged to report suspicious persons or any related crime tips to law enforcement, or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-888-CRIME-SC. To send anonymous tips via text or online, go to www.midlandscrimestoppers.com

Safety Tips:
- Have a plan before going out. Make sure your friends know not to leave you alone or let you leave anywhere with someone other than the friends you came with. Stay in a group as much as possible.

- Call 911 if a driver diverts from a normal route back to your residence. If you cannot speak, dial 911 and leave the line open to allow the dispatcher to hear what is going on at your location.

- If possible, let a friend know you are leaving and when you expect to arrive home.

- The University has and encourages the use of several available shuttle services for transportation to and around campus such as the Evening Shuttle, Late Night Shuttle, APO, and others. Please go to http://www.sc.edu/vmps/shuttle.html for more information.

- If you feel unsafe or see suspicious activity or persons, seek safety in a well-populated area or building and call the police immediately by dialing 911.

Type of Alert:
Armed Robbery - Update

Date and Time:

April 1, 2012 at 12:05 AM

Incident:

City of Columbia and University Police have searched the area. The suspects have not been located at this time, nor has the suspect vehicle been seen on campus. Members of the Carolina Community are encouraged to report suspicious persons or any related crime tips to local law enforcement, or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-CRIME-SC. To send anonymous tips via text or e-mail, go to www.midlandscrimestoppers.com

Safety Tips:
- Travel on major sidewalks along major streets and avoid shortcuts. Well lit and well-traveled routes are best. - The University has and encourages the use of several available shuttle services for transportation to and around campus such as the Evening Shuttle, Late Night Shuttle, APO, and others. Please go to http://www.sc.edu/vmps/shuttle.html for more information. - Have a plan before going out. Make sure your friends know not to leave you alone or let you leave anywhere with someone other than the friends you came with. Stay in a group as much as possible. - The best mode of travel is by vehicle but if you do choose to walk, travel in large groups and never alone. The larger the group of people you are with, the better (four or more is best). - Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a place or situation doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Leave. - If you feel unsafe or see suspicious activity or persons, seek safety in a well-populated area or building and call the police immediately by dialing 911.

Type of Alert: Assisting Other Agency - Armed Robbery

Date and Time:
March 31, 2012 around 10:30 PM

Location:
300 Block of Main St

Suspect Description:
Sex:	Male (2x)	Race:	Black (2x)
Height:	Unknown	Age:	Unknown
Weight:	Unknown	Clothing:	Suspect #1: Clothing: Red hat and red shirt Suspect #2: Black hat and black shirt with short dreads
Vehicle:	Red Honda Accord

Incident:

At approximately 10:30 p.m., a robbery occurred on Main St. in front of Swearingen. The suspects presented a weapon, struck the victim in the head and stole an iPod. The suspects fled on foot to a red Honda Accord which then left area westbound on Catawba St. The victim was not injured. The case is being investigated by the Columbia Police Department.

Members of the Carolina Community are encouraged to report suspicious persons or any related crime tips to law enforcement, or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-888-CRIME-SC. To send anonymous tips via text or online, go to www.midlandscrimestoppers.com

Safety Tips:
- Travel on major sidewalks along major streets and avoid shortcuts. Well lit and well-traveled routes are best. - The University has and encourages the use of several available shuttle services for transportation to and around campus such as the Evening Shuttle, Late Night Shuttle, APO, and others. Please go to http://www.sc.edu/vmps/shuttle.html for more information. - Have a plan before going out. Make sure your friends know not to leave you alone or let you leave anywhere with someone other than the friends you came with. Stay in a group as much as possible. - The best mode of travel is by vehicle but if you do choose to walk, travel in large groups and never alone. The larger the group of people you are with, the better (four or more is best). - Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a place or situation doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Leave. - If you feel unsafe or see suspicious activity or persons, seek safety in a well-populated area or building and call the police immediately by dialing 911.

Type of Alert: Assisting Other Agency (Columbia Police Department) Armed Robbery

Date and Time:
March 15th, 2012 around 10:30 p.m.

Location:
1900 Block of Pendleton near Laurens St

Suspect Description:
Sex:	Male (x2)	Race:	Black (x2)
Height:	Approx. 6'	Age:	Approx. 25-30
Weight:	Approx. 160	Clothing:	Unknown
Vehicle:	Silver/light color SUV	Other:	Clean Shaven

Incident:

At approximately 10:30 p.m., a silver/light in color SUV pulled up beside the victim near the corner of Laurens and Pendleton streets. The suspect pulled out a handgun and robbed the victim. The suspects then immediately fled the area in the vehicle. The victim was not injured. The case is being investigated by the Columbia Police Department.

Safety Tips:
- Travel on major sidewalks along major streets and avoid shortcuts. Well lit and well-traveled routes are best. - The University has and encourages the use of several available shuttle services for transportation to and around campus such as the Evening Shuttle, Late Night Shuttle, APO, and others. Please go to http://www.sc.edu/vmps/shuttle.html for more information. - Have a plan before going out. Make sure your friends know not to leave you alone or let you leave anywhere with someone other than the friends you came with. Stay in a group as much as possible. - The best mode of travel is by vehicle but if you do choose to walk, travel in large groups and never alone. The larger the group of people you are with, the better (four or more is best). - Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a place or situation doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Leave. - If you feel unsafe or see suspicious activity or persons, seek safety in a well-populated area or building and call the police immediately by dialing 911.

Type of Alert: Armed Robbery - Update

Date and Time:
March 1, 2012 at 12:15am

Incident:
Suspect has not been located at this time. Members of the Carolina Community are encouraged to report suspicious persons or any related crime tips to local law enforcement, or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-888-CRIME-SC. To send anonymous tips via text or online, go to www.midlandscrimestoppers.com

Safety Tips:
- Travel on major sidewalks along major streets and avoid shortcuts. Well lit and well-traveled routes are best. - The University has and encourages the use of several available shuttle services for transportation to and around campus such as the Evening Shuttle, Late Night Shuttle, APO, and others. Please go to http://www.sc.edu/vmps/shuttle.html for more information. - Have a plan before going out. Make sure your friends know not to leave you alone or let you leave anywhere with someone other than the friends you came with. Stay in a group as much as possible. - The best mode of travel is by vehicle but if you do choose to walk, travel in large groups and never alone. The larger the group of people you are with, the better (four or more is best). - Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a place or situation doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Leave. - If you feel unsafe or see suspicious activity or persons, seek safety in a well-populated area or building and call the police immediately by dialing 911.

Type of Alert: Armed Robbery

Date and Time:
February 29,. 2012 at 10:30 PM

Location:
Last seen at Wheat and Pickens Streets on foot heading towards Blossom Street

Suspect Description:
Sex:	Male	Race:	Black
Height:	Approx. 5' 7" - 5' 9"	Age:	Unknown
Weight:	150 lbs	Clothing:	Puffy black jacket, blue jeans

Incident:
An armed robbery occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. at the corner of Wheat and Pickens Streets. Subject was armed with a handgun and last seen on foot heading towards Blossom Street. He is described as a black male approximately 5'7" /150 lbs. with dreadlocks. USC Police and Columbia Police are in the area. Please remain indoors and dial 911 with any information.

Type of Alert: Phishing

Date Post:
February 8, 2012

Incident:

Several members of our community have received emails that are a known phishing attack impersonating tax preparation companies (i.e.: INTUIT, INC). Please be aware of these attacks during tax season and always be suspicious of e-mails that are unsolicited.

Tips to Avoid Falling Victim to Phishing:
- Do not share your password or any other personal information
- Do not open suspicious e-mails
- Never reply to spam or phishing e-mails
- Call to verify the source of an e-mail

It is imperative that you not open attachments or follow any of the links in these emails.

For more information from UTS regarding phishing and other email security threats, please review the information provided at the following links.

http://www.uts.sc.edu/itsecurity/threats.shtml
http://www.uts.sc.edu/itsecurity/phishing.shtml

Type of Alert:
Suspicious Fires (CANCELLED)

Update:
USC Police has made an arrest of the person responsible for igniting the suspicious fires and is currently being detained at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center pending further charges.

Date Updated:

February 1st, 2012

Location:

Areas Surrounding Campus

Incident:

The USC Police Department is working with SLED, the Columbia Fire Department and area law enforcement agencies to investigate several suspicious fires surrounding the USC Columbia campus. The small fires have been ignited in area garbage receptacles and on the city streets.

Members of the Carolina Community are encouraged to report suspicious persons or any related crime tips to the USC Police at 777-4215, the ARSON HOTLINE at 1-800-92-ARSON, or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-888-CRIME-SC. To send anonymous tips via text or online, go to www.midlandscrimestoppers.com.

Type of Alert: Sexual Assault

Date and Time Posted:
January 28, 2012 at 7:42 PM

Location:
Off Campus

Incident:

Today the Division of Law Enforcement and Safety received notification that the Columbia Police Department has responded to and is investigating an alleged sexual assault occurring near our campus. We have and will continue to assist the Columbia Police as they investigate this crime.

Very few details are available at this time. However, we urge all female students to be vigilant and exercise an abundance of caution.

If you are a victim, please know that you are not alone. If you, or someone you know, have been a victim of an assault, please contact law enforcement.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the survivor as she continues to recover.

Members of the Carolina Community are encouraged to follow the safety and prevention tips below:

Sexual Assault Facts and Safety Tips

• Most sexual assaults are committed by someone known by the victim or an acquaintance.

• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a place or situation doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Leave.

• Do not immediately trust a person you just met at a party or other social gathering.

• Have a plan before going out. Make sure your friends know not to leave you alone or let you leave anywhere with someone other than the friends you came with. Stay in a group as much as possible.

• If you choose to drink alcohol, drink responsibly and do not allow yourself to become intoxicated. Alcohol impairs your rational decision making.

• Do not accept alcoholic or soft drinks from persons you do not know very well and never leave your drink unattended.

• The best mode of travel is by vehicle but if you do choose to walk, travel in large groups and never alone. The larger the group of people you are with, the better (four or more is best).

• Do not allow strangers to ride in your vehicle or accept rides from persons you do not know very well.

• Travel on major sidewalks along major streets and avoid shortcuts. Well lit and well traveled routes are best.

• The University has and encourages the use of several available shuttle services for transportation to and around campus such as the Evening Shuttle, Late Night Shuttle, APO, and others. Please go to http://www.sc.edu/vmps/shuttle.html for more information.

• If you feel unsafe or see suspicious activity or persons, seek safety in a well populated area or building and call the police immediately by dialing 911.

• If someone makes an unwanted sexual advance, immediately and firmly say “no.”

• If you become the victim of sexual assault or other crime:
1. Get to a safe place as soon as you can.
2. Call 911 immediately and give detailed information concerning description of
suspect(s), suspect direction of travel, and any other pertinent information
regarding the incident.

(Assisting Other Agencies)

Type of Alert:
Arson

Date and Time:

January 6. 2012 after 2:00 a.m.

Location:

2000 Block of Greene Street

Suspect Description:
Sex:	Unknown	Race:	Unknown
Height:	Unknown	Age:	Unknown
Weight:	Unknown	Clothing:	Dark clothing; dark colored hat

Incident:

The Salty Nut Café fire that occurred on Friday, January 6, 2012 has been declared an arson. Law Enforcement is looking for assistance in identifying a person of interest. If you recognize this person, please leave an anonymous tip with CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or the Arson Hotline 1-800-92-ARSON. Callers may be eligible for a reward if an arrest is made.

Type of Alert: Phishing
Date Posted:
November 23, 2011

Incident:

We have received information that several members of our community have received emails that are a known phishing attack associated with The Electronic Payments Association NACHA. Please see their announcement at the following link.
http://www.nacha.org/news/newsDetail.cfm/RecentBusinessNewsID/236

Some of the addresses these emails appear to be from include:
alert@nacha.org
noreply@direct.nacha.org
ach@nacha.org
info@nacha.org

It is imperative that you not open attachments or follow any of the links in these emails.

For more information from UTS regarding phishing and other email security threats, please review the information from UTS regarding phishing and other email security threats, please review the information provided at the following links.

http://www.uts.sc.edu/itsecurity/threats.shtml
http://www.uts.sc.edu/itsecurity/phishing.shtml

Type of Alert: Off-Campus Physical and Sexual Assaults
Date Posted:
October 31, 2011

Incident:
Over the past several days there have been reports of physical and sexual assaults occurring in areas surrounding our campus. Although the assaults do not appear related, they do share some common characteristics. One of the most common factors is that each of the perpetrators was an acquaintance of the victim. If you are a victim, please know that you are not alone. If you, or someone you know, have been a victim of an assault, please contact law enforcement. Members of the Carolina Community are encouraged to follow the safety and prevention tips below: Sexual Assault Facts and Safety Tips • Most sexual assaults are committed by someone known by the victim or an acquaintance. • Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a place or situation doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Leave. • Do not immediately trust a person you just met at a party or other social gathering. • Have a plan before going out. Make sure your friends know not to leave you alone or let you leave anywhere with someone other than the friends you came with. Stay in a group as much as possible. • If you choose to drink alcohol, drink responsibly and do not allow yourself to become intoxicated. Alcohol impairs your rational decision making. • Do not accept alcoholic or soft drinks from persons you do not know very well and never leave your drink unattended. • The best mode of travel is by vehicle but if you do choose to walk, travel in large groups and never alone. The larger the group of people you are with, the better (four or more is best). • Do not allow strangers to ride in your vehicle or accept rides from persons you do not know very well. • Travel on major sidewalks along major streets and avoid shortcuts. Well lit and well traveled routes are best. • The University has and encourages the use of several available shuttle services for transportation to and around campus such as the Evening Shuttle, Late Night Shuttle, APO, and others. Please go to http://www.sc.edu/vmps/shuttle.html for more information. • If you feel unsafe or see suspicious activity or persons, seek safety in a well populated area or building and call the police immediately by dialing 911. • If someone makes an unwanted sexual advance, immediately and firmly say “no.” • If you become the victim of sexual assault or other crime: 1. Get to a safe place as soon as you can. 2. Call 911 immediately and give detailed information concerning description of suspect(s), suspect direction of travel, and any other pertinent information regarding the incident.

(City of Columbia Police Department Reporting) Type of Alert: Assisting Other Agency

Date and Time:
October 23, 2011 around 2:00 AM

Location:
Pendleton and Laurens Streets

Suspect Description:
Sex:	Male(s) - Three (3)	Race:	Black -Three (3)
Height:	Unknown	Age:	Unknown
Weight:	Unknown	Clothing:	Black or dark colored clothing wearing skull caps

Incident:
Three (3) suspects approached the victims from behind, presented weapons, and demanded money. Before any further actions, the suspects quickly left the area on foot toward Five Points. The City of Columbia Police Department is conducting the investigation.

Type of Alert: Assisting Other Agency

Date and Time:
October 18, 2011 around 3:20 a.m.

Location:
1200 block of College Street

Suspect Description:
Sex:	Male	Race:	Black
Height:	Approx. 5'11"	Age:	20-24
Weight:	Approx. 180 lbs.	Clothing:	Black sweatpants, gray hoodie, clean shaven

Incident:
The victim stated that while walking on the sidewalk traveling down the 1200 block of College Street, he was approached from behind by a black male subject. The subject asked him for money and then grabbed him. The victim was able to run away from the area. The incident is being investigated by the City of Columbia Police Department.


Type of Alert: Strong Arm Robbery

Date and Time:
October 8, 2011 between 11:30 PM and 12:00 AM

Location:
1400 Pendleton St (between Bull St. and Marion St.)

Suspect #1:
Sex:	Male	Race:	Black
Height:	Approx. 6' 0"	Age:	50-60
Weight:	Approx. 150 lbs.	Clothing:	Brown hooded sweatshirt

Suspect #2:
Sex:	Male	Race:	Black
Height:	Approx. 5' 09"	Age:	50-60
Weight:	Approx. 150 lbs.	Clothing:	Red sweater

Incident:
The victim stated that while walking on the sidewalk eastbound on Pendleton St., he was approached by two black male subjects. Subject #1 stopped and asked the victim for a cigarette, and Subject #2 walked past the victim. The victim was struck on the back of his head, sustaining minor injuries. His wallet and cash were taken. The incident was reported several hours later.

*(Columbia Police Reporting)* Type of Alert: Armed Robbery

Date and Time:
September 29, 2011 at 02:30 a.m.

Location:
Intersection of Blossom and Park streets (near the Strom Thurmond Wellness Center)

Suspect's Descriptions:
Sex:	Male	Race:	White
Height:	Approx. 5' 07"	Age:	20-30
Weight:	Approx. 170	Clothing:	Jeans and T-shirt

Incident:
Victim stated a male subject exited a white Jeep Grand Cherokee and approached the victim in the middle of Blossom street, presented a black handgun, and demanded money from the victim. The victim surrendered an unknown amount of cash and the subject fled toward Blossom and Lincoln.

Type of Alert: Burglary

Date and Time:
August-September 2011

Location:
Bates House, Bates West, South Quad, and Honors College Residence Halls.

Suspect Information:
Sex:	Unknown	Race:	Unknown
Height:	Unknown	Age:	Unknown
Weight:	Unknown	Clothing:	Unknown

Incident:
Within the past month there have been several reports to the University of South Carolina Division of Law Enforcement and Safety of individuals entering residence halls, specifically Bates House, Bates West, South Quad, and Honors College during daytime hours and without permission taking valuable electronic devices, such as computers, from residents' rooms. It is believed these individuals / suspects are entering through propped exterior residence hall doors or following residents in once they have scanned their access card. Once inside the residence hall, the suspects are looking for unlocked rooms or common areas where computers or electronics are readily available and taking them without permission. Please take the appropriate safety precautions such as locking your dorm room at all times, not letting strangers in behind you when entering a residence hall, securing your valuables, not propping doors open, and reporting suspicious individuals and activities to law enforcement. If you have any information regarding these crimes, contact the Division of Law Enforcement and Safety at (803) 777-4215. In case of an emergency, dial : 911 and tell the dispatcher your location on the University of South Carolina and specific details about the crime and suspects such as suspect(s) description, location, and direction of travel.

Type of Alert: Burglary

Date and Time:
March 28-April 4, 2011

Location:
Osborne Admin Bldg, Blatt PE Center, Strom Thurmond Wellness Center & South Quad Residence Hall.

Suspect Information:
Sex:	male	Race:	black
Height:	unknown	Age:	unknown
Weight:	unknown	Clothing:	hat, a blue jacket, dark jeans and white shoes.

Incident:
(Reported by WIS) - The USC Police Department and Crimestoppers is looking for help identifying a burglary suspect who has broken into numerous campus buildings. Police say he has burglarized the Osborne Administration Building, Blatt Physical Education Center, Strom Thurmond Wellness Center and the South Quad Residence Hall. Between March 28 and April 4, this person is suspected of 6 burglaries. The suspect has stolen several wallets containing credit cards and identifications, according to investigators. Photos released by police show the suspect walking into a Columbia business wearing a hat, a blue jacket, dark jeans and white shoes. Anyone with information regarding the identity and location of this man is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIMESC (888-274-6872). Your call will remain anonymous. Your tip could earn you a cash reward of up to $1000.


Type of Alert: Armed Robbery

Date and Time:
February 10, 2011 at 10:30 p.m.

Location:
Russell House ATM

Suspect Information:
Sex:	male	Race:	black
Height:	Unknown	Age:	18-25
Weight:	Unknown	Clothing:	dark jacket, dark pants and grey hooded sweater

Incident:
Victims were at one of the ATM machines at the Russell House near Thomson Student Health Center when they were approached by a black male who presented a firearm and demanded money. The subject fled on foot towards Greene St.


Type of Alert: Assault and Battery

Date and Time:
January 14, 2011 at 1:30 a.m.

Location:
1900 Block of Senate Street

Suspect Information:
Sex:	Two (2) Males	Race:	Black
Height:	Unknown	Age:	18-25
Weight:	Unknown	Clothing:	Unknown

Incident:
Victim was walking on Senate Street and was approached by two (2) black males in a light colored sedan. Suspect #2 (the passenger) yelled at the victim and said that he looked scared. The victim stated that both suspects pointed orange flare guns at him. Suspect #1 that was driving, fired the flare gun hitting him in the chest and drove away from the scene heading west on Senate Street. Victim was not injured.

(WIS TV News Reporting)

Type of Alert:
Fatal Shooting

Date and Time:

October 18, 2010 at 10:00 p.m.

Location:

Near 5 Points Area; 900 Block of Walnut Street

Incident:

A 26 year old man was shot to death Monday night near the Five Points area of Columbia. If you have any information on this incident call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

*(Columbia Police Department Reporting)* Type of Alert: Armed Robbery

Date and Time:
September 26, 2010 at 12:30 a.m.

Location:
Pickens and Greene Street

Suspect Information:
Sex:	two (2) males	Race:	black
Height:	5-10	Age:	19-25
Weight:	approx. 170	Clothing:	dark clothing & blue in color bandana
Vehicle:	4 door sedan; silver color; with one hubcap missing on the left tire

Incident:
Victim was walking on south on Pickens Street and noticed a vehicle stopped at a red light. One suspect wearing a blue in color bandana covering his nose and mouth, exited the vehicle and approached the victim from behind. The suspect pulled out a black in color pistol and commanded the victim to get on the ground and empty his pockets. The victim complied and removed all property from his pockets. The suspects fled the scene traveling west on Greene St. to Bull St.

Type of Alert: Suspicious Activity

Date and Time:
September 25, 2010 at 10:38 p.m.

Location:
Heyward Street

Suspect Information:
Sex:	two (2) male(s)	Race:	black
Height:	Unknown	Age:	Unknown
Weight:	Unknown	Clothing:	Unknown
Vehicle:	4 door sedan; gold color

Incident:
Victim noticed a gold in color vehicle parked in a dark area on Heyward St. Victim stated the car sat there for a while and then two black males exited the vehicle and ran toward him. The victim ran toward his apartment to get away and as soon as he reached his apartment, he noticed the two suspects had left in their car going west on Heyward St. Victim did notice both suspects had on mask covering their faces and believed they both had handguns but was not sure.

SPECIAL SAFETY BULLETIN

Safety Issues and tips for 5 Points Area

According to local police reports –
 There have been multiple incidents of violence in the 5 points area over the past several months
 These incidents include shootings, armed robberies, and assaults
 Most incidents have occurred after 1:00 AM
 Victims have been either alone or with few other people at the time of the incident

University of South Carolina community members should keep the following safety tips in mind when visiting the 5 Points area:
 Travel in large groups and never alone. The larger the group of people you are with, the better (four or more is best).
 All incidents have occurred after 1 a.m. It is recommended that you exercise extreme caution after this time.
 Travel on major sidewalks along major streets and avoid shortcuts. Well lit and well traveled routes are best. Please avoid traveling on the path that leads across the railroad tracks and Laurens Street, from the 2000 block of College Street to the 1900 block of College Street, as this area has been particularly prone to violent crime.
 If you see suspicious activity or persons, or if you hear what you believe to be gunshots, seek safety in a well populated building and call the police by dialing 911.
 Do not allow strangers to ride in your vehicle or accept rides from persons you do not know well.
 If you choose to drink alcohol, drink responsibly and do not allow yourself to become intoxicated.
 Do not accept alcoholic or soft drinks from persons you do not know well and never leave your drink unattended.
 If you become the victim of a crime, call 911 immediately and give detailed information concerning description of suspect(s), suspect direction of travel, and any other pertinent information regarding the incident.
 The University has and encourages the use of several available shuttle services for transportation to and around campus – “Cocky Caravan" – Late Night Shuttle – APO - and several others please go to http://www.sc.edu/vmps/shuttle.html for more information.

Type of Alert: Breaking into Motor Vehicle/Petit Larceny (Removal of catalytic converter)

Date and Time:
January 23, 2010 - Present

Location:
Across Campus

Suspect Information:
Sex:	Unknown	Race:	Unknown
Height:	Unknown	Age:	Unknown
Weight:	Unknown	Clothing:	Unknown

Incident:
Unknown suspect(s) are removing a catalytic converters from Toyota 4-Runner's and Toyota Tundra's by cutting it with unknown object.

Here are several ways to protect yourself from these types of crimes:

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-lit, 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 Crime Prevention / Community Relations Unit at 777-0855 or 777-4215.

For additional safety advice and tips, contact Cpl. Kenneth Adams at 777-0855 or via e-mail at adamskl@mailbox.sc.edu. Please be aware of any incidents and report ANY suspicious activities to the USC Division of Law Enforcement and Safety via call boxes or by calling (803) 777-4215 (non-emergency) or 911 (emergency) as soon as possible.

To learn how to avoid violent crimes and how to maximize your personal safety, visit the Safety Tips page.

Columbia, SC 29208 • 803-777-7000 • info@sc.edu