PERSONAL SAFETY

Although Australia is a safe country, it is not crime free. Be prepared and take precautions to reduce your
chances of becoming a victim. It is handy to keep a whistle on your key ring which you can use to call for assistance if need be.Following are some tips to help your protect yourself and your belongings.

ON THE STREET

• Maintain a confident appearance. Stay alert and walk with your head up and look around you.
  Be aware of your surroundings. Take note of street names. Most attacks occur early in the morning or late
  at night when there aren’t many people around.
• At night keep to major well-lit streets and avoid dark areas or short cuts. Try to walk in groups especially at
  night or on the weekends.
• If you think you are being followed, walk close to the road or cross to the other side. If you are sure you
  are being followed, use your mobile and contact the police at 000 or a taxi at 133 300 or go to the nearest
  house or shop and ask the occupants to call for you.

• When drawing money from an ATM first look around to make sure that nobody is watching you. Put your
  money away immediately; never count it at the ATM.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

• Check timetables in advance – avoid long waits on platforms, particularly in the evening. Call 131 500 for
  all transport information.
• Stay in well-lit areas or wait near local shops.
• When catching the train, preferably travel in the guard’s carriage which is indicated with a blue light
  outside the carriage.
• Where possible sit with others or travel with a friend; face other travellers.
• If you are being harassed or assaulted, complain loudly and blow your whistle to draw attention to
  yourself.

• Remain alert: take note of suspicious people.

IN YOUR OWN VEHICLE

• Plan your trip: always carry a road map.
• Inform someone of your destination, estimated arrival time and proposed route.
  Do not put your home information on your GPS.
• Do not pick up unknown persons.
• If you think you are being followed, confirm your suspicions by making turns and staying on busy and
  brightly-lit streets if at night. If you are still being followed, do not drive home revealing where you live. Drive to a police station, open service station or similar places where you can call the police.If a driver ahead of your deliberately forces you to stop by braking or blocking the road, do not turn off the engine. If the driver gets out of the car and comes towards, remain in your car with the doors locked and windows shut. Sound your horn and flash your lights.

PARKING ADVICE

• Do not park in isolated or dark areas.
• Avoid parking too close to walls, high fences or vegetation, which might provide cover for an attacker.
• Remove purses, packages or other easily stolen items from easy view in the car.
• When returning to your car, have the keys in your hand for quick access.

KEEPING YOUR HOUSE SAFE

• Always lock up: doors and windows should be locked, not only when you are out of the house but also when you are elsewhere in the house, eg. Backyard.
• Secure all windows and keep doors, windows and pathways well lit.
• Never leave your house obviously unoccupied, even briefly.
• Arrange for a friend to clear your letter box if you are away on holiday.
• Program 000 into your home and mobile phone. This number can be called even if your phone is not charged or if there is no signal.