Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Tips

 

Is your Home Secure? Personal Safety Tips

Is your Home Secure? A Crime Prevention Officer (CPO) or Volunteer in Policing (VIP) from your Local Area  Command may visit your residence and discuss crime prevention risks and strategies  specifically for your premises. The CPO is available for further information. Contact your  Local Police Station. Click here to download The Residential Security Assessment.

Personal Safety Tips The NSW Police Force is committed to assisting the community to be safe in all situations.  Always seek help if you are feeling unsafe or unsure of your surroundings and seek assistance  if you have been a victim of crime. Remember, potential offenders may also be acquaintances  and know their victim. Most offenders hope to avoid confrontation or being caught, and choose  targets that they perceive as vulnerable. So, the way you act in public and with acquaintances will have an impact on a potential offender.  Always act and respond to others with confidence and be very clear and definite in your response  to any inappropriate suggestions. Program your local police station telephone number into your mobile phone. When you are out: Tell someone where you are going and whom you are with – offenders may try to confirm with  their victims that family or friends do not know where they are. Tasting other people’s drinks makes it harder to count how much alcohol you have consumed  or to ensure you are drinking what you want to be drinking. Keep an eye on each other’s drinks – take turns to go dancing or finish your drinks first. Keep your valuables out of sight or where you can see and reach them, especially mobile  phones and wallets. Take your handbags or wallets onto the dance floor and check you still  have them when you sit down. If you feel strange tell a friend and leave with people you trust. When leaving premises intoxicated, be careful on the footpath and roads and watch out for  each other – pedestrians are easily injured leaving parties or hotels when judgement of space  and timing are impaired. Avoid getting into heated discussions – logic and rationale thought are affected by alcohol  or illicit drugs. If a friend is seriously affected by alcohol or illicit drugs or has overdosed, call an ambulance  immediately. Walking: Stick to major routes and roads and don’t take short cuts. Use footpaths that are well lit and not closed in by bushes or obstacles Stay in groups of people. Change direction if you think you are being followed and seek a safe place. Transport: On the train: Travel in the guard’s compartment identified by a blue light, or in carriages that have groups  of people who could assist if needed. Travel in groups of friends. Arrive at the station as close to the departure time of the train as possible and stand where  the station is well lit. In a taxi: Sit in the back of the taxi and travel with friends. Give clear directions where you want to go – if you are not on the agreed route, terminate the  trip. If feeling unsure, insist on being taken to a safe place and terminate the trip. Driving and Parking: Have your keys in your hand as you approach your car in readiness, especially if they are hard  to find in a handbag. Cars that have easy access may be a target – keep your doors locked with as much visual  security as possible (steering wheel locks etc). Car Parks with a parking attendant or supervised/patrolled are best, otherwise try to park in  locations that are well lit and/or well populated and not crowded in by bushes or buildings  where offenders might hide. Arriving together with a group of friends or meeting each other at a designated place ensures you are not alone for long periods and reduces the appearance of vulnerability. Offenders target  people who appear vulnerable. Major Events and public spaces: Never leave valuables unattended at the beach, in parks or at major events, including leaving  car keys hidden on the car. Offenders watch the movements of people in public spaces to pick  their targets. Be obvious that you are alert and not alone. Stay with your group – especially in large crowds during New Years Eve etc, and watch out for  each other. Tell people where you are going and what time you will return. Don’t take too many belongings and bags. Keep belongings in the middle of your circle and always have one person with them. Use alcohol in moderation. Drink plenty of water and give yourself enough time to get in and out of where you want to be. Leaving Home for the holidays: Ensure the house is securely locked, including windows usually left open. Cancel newspapers and redirect your mail or have it collected by a friend. Put pets into a boarding kennel or have friends visit them often. Tell neighbours or friends who can check on the house, you are away and whom will be at the  house legitimately – e.g. gardeners, pet minders. Secure your garage or, if unable – move items such as bikes inside the house. Consider security devices, including light timers etc. Do not leave cash in the house and locate jewellery in a safe place. Ensure your lawn is cut, the property tidy and stop all deliveries. Avoid leaving the answering machine on and turn the phone volume down.