Armed Robberies in USC Classrooms Under Investigation in Los Angeles

Officials say a number of student education measures have been taken.

The USC campus in Los Angeles, police say the armed robberies have taken place when students were alone in classrooms studying. Photo courtesy: asymptotia.com

(LOS ANGELES) - Public Safety officials at the University of Southern California and the Los Angeles Police are working in partnership to address safety concerns after students reported being robbed at gunpoint while attending class.

Police say there have actually been two recent armed robbery incidents that have occurred on the USC Campus. The first incident occurred on March 14th at around 11:00 PM. The second happened during daylight hours on March 16th at around 1:00 PM.

Investigators say that in both robberies, the suspect targeted lone students who were studying in unoccupied classrooms during the spring break, where pedestrian traffic was minimal.

LAPD and USC Public Safety officials say security patrols have been increased, and there is a joint effort to educate student on safety precautions. Classes that are unused during the school break have been secured, and students are encouraged to study in groups in places more visible to the public.

Additionally, a number of student education measures have been taken. They include approximately 50,000 E-mails crime alerts that were immediately disseminated to the student body and faculty population. They also say buildings and classrooms have been posted with safety notices.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call Southwest Detectives at 213-485-6571. On weekends and during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).