Staying safe in public

Protect yourself in public and while travelling, and how to prepare to arrive to your destination safely.

Advice to keep yourself safe in public

Here are some simple steps you can take to stay safe when getting around in public.

Stay alert

Pay attention to what is going on around you. You should:

• Keep one ear free if using headphones. Don’t wear headphones while driving.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Look around and keep your head up.
• Be aware of people around you.
• Cross the road if someone is walking towards you and you feel uncomfortable.
• Record registration details of any suspicious vehicles.
• Not use your phone while driving. Keep a pen or pencil in your car to record registration details.

Travel safely

Take care when walking out and about. You should:

• Walk confidently and with purpose.
• Walk on well-lit streets.
• Walk in the opposite direction to oncoming traffic.
• Choose the route with the most people around.
• Ring a trusted person and talk to them while you walk.
• Ask a friend, colleague or security to walk with you.
• Walk into a shop or business if you think you are being followed.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you are expected to arrive. Tell them if your plans change.

On public transport

Take care when using public transport. You should:

• Check timetables to avoid long waits, particularly at night.
• Avoid isolated bus, train and tram stops.
• Wait on well-lit areas of the platform or stop.
• Travel in a busy carriage or near the driver on trams and buses.
• Ask a friend, colleague or a protective services officer (PSO) to walk with you to your car at the station.

In the car

Take care when traveling by car. You should:

• Always lock your car doors.
• Keep your windows up when stationary or driving through slow-moving traffic.
• Not drive home if you believe you’re being followed. Drive to a police station or petrol station as these will usually have CCTV cameras and staff present.

Prepare to arrive

Keep your keys in your hand so you don’t have to search for them when you get to your vehicle or arrive home.

What to do if you feel unsafe in public

If you feel unsafe in public you should report it.

• If an incident happens near work, tell your supervisor or manager.
• If you feel unsafe on public transport, talk to a PSO. They are on platforms and trains until the last train.

Report if you feel unsafe in public

You should report any suspicious behaviour to police. No issue is too small to report.

For emergencies, to report a crime in progress, or for immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000)(opens in a new window).

For non-emergencies:

• call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444(opens in a new window), or
• report anonymously at Crime Stoppers(opens in a new window) by:
  • submitting an online report
  • calling 1800 333 000(opens in a new window).