Crime Prevention Tips
The majority of crimes reported on campus are crimes of opportunity, typically involving theft of personal property, vehicle and residential burglaries and vandalism.
Frequently targeted items include:
Bicycles and scooters
Backpacks and laptops
Cell phones and wallets
Maintaining a high level of situational awareness and taking proactive measures to secure personal belongings are key strategies in reducing the risk of these incidents. Every member of the campus community plays an important role in promoting safety and preventing crime. We strongly encourage all individuals to report suspicious activity immediately to the University Police Department. Your attentiveness and cooperation are essential to fostering a safe and secure campus environment.
Personal safety tips
Maintaining personal safety requires vigilance, awareness and informed decision-making. The following tips are designed to help individuals reduce risk and enhance their security in public spaces:
When carrying a purse, wear the strap across your body if possible. If not, hold it close to your torso—never on your forearm. Avoid placing valuables in your back pocket; instead, store them in a front pocket or inside your coat.
Refrain from openly displaying personal items such as cell phones, laptops or other electronics. Keep all belongings securely on your person and out of sight when not in use.
Only carry essential identification and documentation. Avoid transporting items such as passports, Social Security cards or birth certificates unless absolutely necessary.
Avoid walking alone after dark whenever possible. If you must travel at night, choose well-lit, populated routes and inform someone of your whereabouts.
Maintain situational awareness at all times. Observe your surroundings, including people and activities nearby. Walk with confidence and purpose.
Use caution when wearing earphones or engaging with electronic devices while walking. These distractions can reduce your ability to detect potential threats.
Opt for busy, well-lit streets and avoid isolated areas such as alleys, vacant lots, abandoned buildings and construction zones.
Safety is a mindset. Remain alert in all environments and avoid complacency. Steer clear of situations that may compromise your well-being.
If a situation feels unsafe or uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately. Your intuition is a valuable tool in personal safety.
If you observe something unusual or concerning, report it promptly. Your vigilance contributes to a safer community.
University Police Dispatch Center: (415) 338-7200
Your awareness can make a difference.
Motor vehicle theft and auto burglary prevention
Motor vehicle theft and auto burglary are among the most common property crimes affecting communities. The following safety measures are recommended to help reduce risk and protect your vehicle and belongings.
Always lock all doors and ensure your vehicle’s alarm system is activated before leaving it unattended. Double-check that all windows are fully closed.
Keep cell phone chargers, GPS mounts and other electronic accessories out of sight. Visible items may attract unwanted attention.
Do not leave purses, wallets, laptops, backpacks, luggage or other valuable items inside your vehicle. Take them with you or store them securely before arriving at your destination.
If you must store items in your trunk, do so before reaching your destination. Avoid placing items in the trunk after parking, as this may be observed by potential thieves.
Consider additional protective measures such as:
Installing a steering wheel lock to deter unauthorized use
Consulting a mechanic about a kill switch to disable ignition
Placing an AirTag or GPS tracker in your vehicle to assist in recovery if stolen
If you witness suspicious activity or believe your vehicle has been tampered with, contact University Police immediately at (415) 338-7200.
Personal or residential theft
Theft of personal property and residential burglary are preventable crimes that often occur due to lapses in attention or unsecured environments. The following safety practices are recommended to help safeguard your belongings and living space:
Do not leave personal items unattended in public areas, classrooms or common spaces. Always maintain visual contact with your belongings.
Carry wallets, purses and other essential items directly on your body rather than storing them in backpacks or external bags, which are more vulnerable to theft.
Ensure that all entry points to your residence—including doors, windows and sliding glass panels—are securely locked when leaving the premises or retiring for the night.
A few seconds of precaution can prevent hours of inconvenience.
For non-emergency assistance or to report suspicious activity, contact University Police at (415) 338-7200.
Preventing Scams
College students are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams, particularly those involving fraudulent job offers and phishing emails. Awareness and caution are essential to protecting your personal information and financial security.
Scammers often post fictitious job opportunities on college employment websites or send unsolicited emails to student accounts, posing as recruiters. These messages may include links or attachments designed to steal personal data or install malicious software.
To protect yourself:
Do not respond to unsolicited job offer emails or click on any embedded links.
If you are seeking employment at San Francisco State University, visit the official SFSU Job Opportunities page directly.
Phishing emails often impersonate trusted institutions and attempt to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information. Common tactics include urgent language, suspicious links, and requests for account verification.
Examples of phishing messages include:
“We suspect an unauthorized transaction on your account. Click the link below to confirm your identity.”
“We couldn’t verify your information. Please update your account immediately.”
“Your account was overcharged. Call us within 7 days to receive your refund.”
If you suspect a phishing attempt:
Forward the email to spam@uce.gov and/or reportphishing@antiphishing.org
Visit Spam and Phishing | Information Technology Services for guidance and reporting procedures.
If you believe your financial accounts may be compromised, contact your bank immediately.
Stay vigilant. When in doubt, verify the source independently and never share personal information through unsolicited messages.