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Police Department

Crime Prevention and Safety Tips

Crime prevention is a shared responsibility. A safe Clemson University community requires the joint effort of all community members, including students, faculty and staff. The more observant and involved you are in your daily life, the less likely crime is to occur undetected. If we, as a community, watch and report suspicious activity, we reduce the areas where criminals feel comfortable committing crimes, resulting in a safer campus.

Despite the relatively low level of crimes that occur on campus and in the surrounding city, we are not immune to crime. It is important for all citizens to take a proactive role in crime prevention. Utilize these crime prevention tips to help yourself and others avoid being the victim of a crime.

Crime Prevention Tips

Student walking on library bridge on a warm day

  • Keeping campus safe
    • If you see something, say something. Report suspicious persons or criminal activity to CUPD (864-656-2222).
    • Keep your car doors and windows locked at all times.
    • Never prop open doors to any campus buildings.
    • Use locks on lockers, bicycles and e-scooters.
    • Attend educational programs offered by CUPD, such as Run, Hide, Fight or R.A.D.
    • Take responsibility to protect yourself and your fellow students.
  • Preventing theft on campus
    • Close and lock all office doors when you leave. Open doors invite theft.
    • Keep cash, checks, credit cards, computers, smartphones, keys and books with you at all times. Never leave them unattended.
    • Write your name and an I.D. number, in pen, on the inside of your book's cover.
    • Store computers, lab equipment and audiovisual equipment, when not in use, in a locked office or classroom.
    • Register your valuables with CUPD via the Property Registration Tool.

    CUPD Property Registration Tool

  • In your residence hall or office
    • Lock up our valuables even if you are just going to be gone a few minutes.
    • When entering a secure area, don't let anyone "tailgate" in behind you. Make them show their ID if you don't know them.
    • Keep all or your personal information secure (home address, Social Security number, access PINs).
    • Don't leave your desk or office keys, personal identification or building-access cards in unsecured areas.
    • Call CUPD (864-656-2222) to report suspicious people or activities.
  • Protecting your valuables
    • Don’t leave your smartphone, laptop, purse or wallet unattended when you’re at the library or another public area.
    • When doing laundry, stay with your clothes the entire time, even while they are being washed or dried.
    • Record the serial numbers of your devices and register your valuables using the CUPD Property Registration tool to help you get them back if they are lost or stolen.

    CUPD Property Registration Tool

Personal Safety Tips

  • Safety when walking
    • Avoid walking alone at night. 
      • Get free, safe, on-demand transportation around campus at night by requesting a ride using the Clemson Nightline app.
    • Stay in well-lit, populated areas.
    • If you are confronted by an attacker, scream loudly and try to run to a safe area.
    • If you feel threatened, use the emergency "blue light" phones located around campus or call or text 911 from your smartphone.
  • Protecting you and your vehicle
    • Have your keys ready before you reach your car so you can open the door quickly.
    • Look in, around and under your car before you get in.
    • Do not assist occupants of disabled vehicles. Continue driving and use your smartphone to call 911 to report the disabled vehicle.
    • If your car breaks down, raise the hood, lock yourself in the car and call 911 or private vehicle assistance (eg. AAA), if possible. If someone stops to help, stay in your locked car and open your window a crack to talk.
    • Always lock your car and never leave your keys in the car.
    • If you can't take all your valuables from your car, lock them out of sight in the trunk or glove compartment.
    • Never leave your windows cracked or your convertible top down.
  • If you are being followed
    • Cross the street.
    • Change directions.
    • Keep looking back, so the person will know you are aware of their presence.
    • Go to a well-lit, populated area.
    • Notice as many physical details as possible, so you can describe the person to the police.
    • Always report the incident to the police.
  • If you are alone in an office or classroom
    • Let a friend, roommate, parent or loved one know where you are.
    • Keep the door locked.
    • Always ask who is knocking before opening the door.
    • Never prop open locked exterior building doors.
    • Get free, safe, on-demand transportation around campus at night by requesting a ride using the Clemson Nightline app.
    • Utilize the Virtual Escort feature in the Rave Guardian app to allow a trusted individual or CUPD (on-campus) to be notified of your location and if you arrived at your destination safely.
A female student walks on campus on a cold winter morning.

Protect Your E-Scooter

E-scooters can make traversing campus easier, reducing the need for a vehicle and needing to find a place to park. Follow these tips to help protect your e-scooter:

  • Secure e-scooters at the bike racks when not in use
  • Record the device's serial number and save receipt of purchase
  • Register your e-scooter with the CUPD Property Registration tool

Note: No rental or public-use e-scooters are available at Clemson University. All e-scooters on main campus are privately owned.

CUPD Property Registration Tool