South Carolina State University reminds both new and returning students to be especially aware of personal safety needs both on and away from the university campus.
This includes being mindful of protecting personal items left in vehicles, campus residence halls, classrooms and other locations on campus.
To prevent theft, Campus Police Chief Joseph Nelson advises:
- Lock all doors and windows before you leave your residence or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your windows and doors.
- Periodically check your locks to make sure they are properly functioning.
- If you find that you have a broken lock, immediately report the problem to your resident assistant.
- Do not leave valuable items in plain sight in your residence or vehicle. Make a habit of putting your valuables away in a drawer, under your bed, in a hidden safe or other secure location when you leave the room, even if just for a few minutes.
- Always close your window blinds or curtains at night.
- Lighting is a great deterrent. Light up all dark areas, especially doors and windows.
- Keep a detailed inventory of all possessions, including a description of each item and serial numbers. Keep a copy of this inventory in a secure location. Take photographs of your belongings.
- Never allow a stranger into your room or apartment. Don’t lend anyone your ID to swipe themselves in. Don’t hold residence hall doors open for strangers or let in people you don’t know.
- If you suspect that a burglary has occurred, do not enter your residence. Call the University Police Department.
- Report all suspicious activity or people to the University Police Department.
In the case of emergency or to report a crime, call the University Police Department at 803-536-7188 or dial 911.
For more safety tips, visit the SC State Campus Police crime prevention web page.
