This is a copy of the PRACTICAL CRIME PREVENTION, as issued by Ministry for Police and Emergency Services,VIC, Australia, and we give you this With their kind permission.

HOME SECURITY

• Fit security deadlocks on all exterior doors, and a security door if possible. Deadlock keys hanging from door defeat the lock’s purpose.
• Do not leave spare keys in obvious places, eg under doormats or in the meter boxes.
• Lock your windows so burglars/thieves cannot get inside undetected.
• Overflowing mail boxes attract burglars. Arrange for a neighbour to collect your mail, or ask the Post Office to hold them if you are planning a holiday or will be away for a long period.
• Bushy front gardens and high fences provide great privacy, but give intruders perfect cover and more time to break-in. If possible, cut back bushes and tress and make your home more visible.
• Burglars can get into your house through the roof. Attach hinges and a sliding bolt to the manhole.
• Lock away ladders or tools that could be used to break into your home.
• Is your street number easy to see from the street? Numbers made of reflective material make your house easier to find at night if there is an emergency.
• Uncollected parcels on your front doorstep can be a sign you are not home. Ask a neighbour to collect them or make changes to delivery times.
• Is your pet door large enough for a small person to enter the house? It could be an opening for burglars.
• Advertising your address, fir example, in a funeral or wedding notice in newspaper, tells a potential intruder you aren’t at home. Arrange for a house-sitter, or neighbour to keep an eye on the property.
• Leave a light, radio or TV on when you go out – it makes it look like you’re home when you’re not.
• 1. Keyed window locks – the majority of homes still don’t have them, but two out of three burglars enter through windows. Locks are inexpensive and made to fit all types of windows.
• 2. Door locks – security doors are a must for all exterior doors as well as security deadlocks. Deadlocks can be set so they can only be opened or closed from both sides with a key.
• Special locks for patio doors are also available. Check door hinges too – security fit hinge bolts reinforce the hinge side of a door against the use of force. there are locks to suit all needs and these should frustrate the most persistent intruder.
• Contact a member of the Master locksmiths’ Association for advice on whether an automatic deadlock or mortice deadlock best suits your needs.
• 3. Keys – in case of fire or other emergency keep your keys where you can get them quickly. All household members should be aware of this spot.
• Think carefully about where your keys are before you deadlock doors while you are inside otherwise you might find that you cannot leave the house in a hurry. Never mark your keys your address as this makes it easy for a thieve to use them if you lose them. Consider using one of the key tag services that will return lost keys.

OTHER SECURITY DEVICES

• The yellow pages and other directories list firms that will fit burglar alarms, light switch timers, safes, bars, grilles and smash-proof window film.
• Weigh up the cost and benefits of these devices – turning your home into a fortress is not generally necessary to prevent crime. If you do fit other security devices, use a reputable firm.

IDENTIFYING YOUR PROPERTY

It is a good idea to photograph items of particular value to you. If you place these beside a matchbox or a ruler this provides a good idea of size. I f you do not have a photographic record of values then make sure you write down a description of the valuable item, and if possible also prepare a drawing. A list to help you mark your property is included in this booklet.

PROPERTY MARKING

• Marked property is less attractive to burglars, and police can return it to owners if it’s recovered. The best identification to use is your driver’s licence number preceded by the initial of your State(eg “V” 1616087). This is recognised Australia wide.
• Marking pens or engravers should be used. Your local police station can give you the name of your nearest neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator who will be able to lend you marking pens and engravers.
• Mark as many valuable items as you can, such as the washing machine, clothes drier, Consider, VCR,stereo equipment, Cd player, paintings and rugs.
• To complete the job, put a sticker on your window to let thieves know what you have done. Stickers are available through your local Neighbourhood Watch, you can make your own stickers – or some service clubs such as the Lions may be able to assist.

‘LOOK -LOCK -LEAVE’

Most car thieves aren’t that smart – if they can’t open the car and remove what they want in a few seconds they won’t bother.
Before you leave your car, remember
– Look around at where you park, and in your car for valuables.
– Lock available away either in the glove box or boot.
– Leave your car locked and wind up all windows. Even the smallest gap can enable the windows to be forced.

OTHER VALUABLE TIPS –

– Don’t think your car will never be stolen. Protect it.
– Steering locks, alarms and immobilisers are very good value. Always engage them before you leave the car.
– A lockable fuel cap is also a good idea, as this will prevent your petrol being stolen and force joyriders to abandon your car when petrol runs out.
– don’t hide spare keys anywhere, inside or outside the car.
– Where possible move parcels, luggage or your brief case to the boot before it is parked.
– Keep a record of the serial number of your car keys and accessaries.
– Never leave your car keys in the ignition when you are away from the car.
– Keep your garage locked. Many cars are stolen from garages and driveways, both day and night.
– Park well away from isolated or dark areas – especially at night.

BICYCLES

Don’t let your bike be one of the thousands stolen each year in Victoria.

You can safeguard your bicycle by-
– Photographing it, making it easy identified if the stolen item is recovered.
– Purchasing a quality bike lock that loops around the frame and wheel, and cannot be easily cut with bolt cutters.
– Locking it to an immovable post or rail.
– Engraving it, using an identification number, or driver’s licence number. Some Neighbourhood Watch Groups organise community “ Engraving ” activities.
– Check whether your insurance covers theft of a bicycle.
– Report theft to police.

OTHER VALUABLES

• Passports and personal papers
• Keep these in a safe place at home. A floor or wall safe is the best, but a locked filing cabinet or obscure corner can also be suitable. Tell only a trusted friend or relative where these papers are located.
• Keep a separate list of your possessions. To help you start, a valuable property record is provided as a tearsheet in the centre of this booklet.

Cash and credit cards

• Never make a display of your cash or credit cards.
• If you are drawing money from an automatic teller machine make sure no-one can see punch in your pin number. Be careful while you are preoccupied at the machine as someone can come up behind you.
• Keep a record of card numbers so if your credit card s are stolen you can provide the numbers when reporting a loss to your bank. A theft should be reported immediately so any transactions can be stopped. It is a good idea to have a quickly accessible record of your bank and credit card company phone numbers. Try to memorise your pin number, but if you can’t, keep it separate from the card.

Hand bags and wallets

• Handbags particularly can be a target for thieves and should be held securely and kept closed. it is not wise to put a hand bag down on a counter or on the floor in a public place: keep it front or beside you with your hand looped around the handle or strap. Be careful in the street, as it is easy for someone to snatch your bag before you are really aware of what has happened.
• At work, never leave your wallets, bags or other valuables lying about. Lock such items in a draw or cabinet. Your workmates could be unfairly under suspicion if anything goes missing.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Simple precautions in the home and in public places can help you side-step danger and stay safe. Less than 2% of major crime in Victoria involves violence. You can avoid danger if you stay aware and try to think clearly about the best way to handle the situation.

SOME USEFUL TIPS

When you are at home

– If a caller/stranger asks to use your phone, direct them to the nearest public one, or make the call for them, keeping them on the outside of the security door.
– Close curtains as soon as indoor lights are turned on.
– Even in the day time make sure doors and windows are secure.

USING YOUR TELEPHONE

– Don’t give your telephone number or reveal any information about yourself to unknown people.

– Don’t let strangers know you are home by yourself or when you will be away from the house.

– If you receive an obscene or abusive telephone call don’t try to talk to the caller – hang up or you could blow a whistle into the phone. If the calls persist, keep a record of the times and then contact Telecom.

WHEN ANSWERING THE DOOR

– Don’t let strangers into your home before you are very sure who they are – ask for identification. If you are still not satisfied, ring the organisation the say they are representing before allowing them into your home.

– Be very cautious of a tradesperson at the door who tries to tell you house needs repairs. Seek the advice of a serviceman known to you or one who is recommended.

– Make sure you have a chain fitted and a door viewer. These help you to speak to strangers without letting them in. Once you have a chain fitted – make sure you use it.

– Fitting a security door is a good idea. Talk to unknown visitors through the security door, and remember not to leave they key on the outside of the door.

INTRUDERS IN YOUR HOME

If you arrive home and suspect an intruder is in the house:

– Do not enter the house, go elsewhere and telephone the police on 11444 .

– Keep out of sight and a safe distance from the house. If you see an intruder leaving, jot down or memorise a description of him \ her, a vehicle and number plate.

PLAN AHEAD WHAT YOU WOULD DO IF YOU SUSPECTED AN INTRUDER WAS INSIDE THE HOME WITH YOU.

THIS COULD INVOLVE –

– Getting to a phone if possible, and quietly ringing the police.

– Switching on lights and making plenty of noise. Many intruders will leave rather than face a confrontation.

– If the intruder confronts you, stay calm – shout and scream if you think the noise may alert someone.

only you can decide if you are able to fight or not.

OUT AND ABOUT
MAXIMISE YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY WITH THESE USEFUL TIPS

– Walk only on busy or well lit streets even if it makes the trip a little longer. Avoid shortcuts through dark alleys, across waste ground or isolated areas.
– Don’t hitchhike, and don’t accept lifts from any you’re not completely sure of.
– Walk face the traffic and on the left side of the footpath.
– If you are going to be out late, arrange for a lift or book a taxi in advance.
– try to avoid isolated transport stops, and sit near other passengers when using public transport.
– When using a public telephone, stand up with your back to the phone so you can see around you.
– When returning to your home or car, have your keys ready.
– When you return to your car in a parking area, check nobody is hiding in, or around the car.
– Keep your cars doors locked while driving.
– In shopping centres keep your handbag or wallet closed and secure. Do not leave it unattached (eg in a shopping trolley). The chances are it will not be there when you return!

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

– Avoid travelling alone at night.
– If you must, always travel near the guard, conductor or driver and arrange to be met at your destination.
– Report any strange people who talk to you or follow you.
– If you feel threatened on public transport, move closer to others or alight immediately. The public transport corporation transit patrols are regularly supervising the system.
– Phone 11444 to report any suspicious activity.

YOUR FAMILY’S SECURITY

Teaching children about personal safety is a key part of the innovative protective behaviours program, initiated by the Victoria police. Designed to teach children practical steps to keep safer, this program may be operating in your local area.

YOUNG CHILDREN

When talking to children about their security, remember to mention the following important points.
– Tell children not to talk to strangers, and never go with anyone stranger or friend without your permission. Ask them to tell you if anyone they think is strange attempts to approach them, or their playmates, when you are not close by.
– Arrange for baby sitters when you go out. It is most. Unwise to leave children of any age alone in the house with out an adult, and when choosing a baby sitter, try to use a trusted friend or a reputable agency which is happy to supply relevant references.
– Assure your children that no matter what happens, they can tell you about any unusual or threatening incident.
– Encourage them to discuss with you any fears or anxieties.
– As soon as possible, show children how to make an emergency telephone call. teach them to remember their home phone number, their full name and their street and suburb.
– Know how long it takes your child to get to and from school. Check and delayed arrival time.
– Show your child how to follow the safest route to and from school.
– Visit your child’s school, get to know the teacher and you may learn of any problem before it comes serious. Teachers welcome parents’ interest.
– Get to know your children’s playmates and their parents, where your children congregate with their friend’s and where other children live.
– If children return home to an empty house, arrange to phone them at a set time to check they are safe.
– Make arrangements so friends or family can be contacted by the children if there is an emergency.

OLDER CHILDREN

– Make sure you know where your children are and how to contact them
– Tell them not to accept lifts from people unless prearranged.
– If teenagers want to go out for the evening or stay overnight with a friend, check with the other parents whether an overnight stay is in order. If possible, take them to their destination, and collect them. If not possible, check they have arrived safely.

TIPS FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Despite graphic media coverage of crimes against the elderly, people over 65 are the least likely to become victims of crime. The following advice is handy for everyone, but may be particularly helpful for older people to feel secure and confident.

– Don’t isolate yourself behind locked doors. Get involved with your neighbours and the local community.
– Local contact and friendships develop a sense of security, and dispel unnecessary anxiety.
– Criminals are less likely to see you as a target if you are careful and alert and living confidently in the community.
Some extra tips for older people…
– Seriously consider the information about deadlocks and home security on pages 7-10.
– Don’t hide spare keys in obvious places.
Phone call..
– If a caller in unknown to you, don’t give personal information over the phone, even if the caller claims they are from legitimate organisation.
– If you have any doubts, take the callers name and telephone number and call them back.
– Keep the police, emergency numbers, relatives’ and doctor’s telephone numbers listed next to the phone, or program them into the telephone’s memory.
Visitors……
-remember people from legitimate companies all carry identity cards. Telephone their company, or pretend to if you don’t have a phone, and are not sure about their identification.

WHEN YOU’RE OUT
Road safety
– Be particularly careful crossing roads, and use traffic lights and pedestrian crossings where possible.
– Never cross a road from between parked cars. Oncoming vehicles often can’t see you.
– Look carefully at oncoming traffic. Judge the speed of approaching cars can get harder as you get older.

LEGAL MATTERS

– Before signing any legal documents, read them carefully and have them checked by a trusted family member, solicitor, or legal aid officer.
– Keep all legal documents such as your will, insurance policies and share certificates together in a safe place at home, or preferably at your solicitor’s office or bank.
– Refuse to sign any paper if you feel you are being pressured into signing before you have had time to think about it.
– Check with a friend, solicitor or police officer if you are in doubt.

CON SCHEMES BE CAUTIOUS

– Keep informed about the latest con schemes in your community by reading the newspaper and listening to friends. Be cautious about schemes that sound too good to be true or have to be kept secret.

BE ESPECIALLY WARY OF:

– “ Good deals ” on home repair and improvement jobs.
– “ Get rich quick ” schemes which involve giving someone money before the scheme is revealed or completed.
– If you are anxious or worried about a possible fraud, contact the police.
– Become involved in your Neighbourhood Watch group if you live in a “ Watch ” area. Through these meetings you will get to know the local residents. Your Zone Leader will be able to discuss the issues important to the security and harmony of your home and your neighbourhood.
– Neighbourhood Watch Co – ordinating Office Number is (03) 329 2044.

– Check with your local council Community Services Officer for activities and support groups working in your area.
– If you need more information or advice, contact the Victoria,Australia Police Crime Prevention Bureau on telephone (03) 9865 2384.

SHOPPING

– If you carry a handbag don’t dangle it; hold it close to your body. If you use a wallet, put it inside a jacket or in your front pocket. Try not to carry more money in your purse than you need.
– If you feel you are being followed, turn to see if someone is there, instead of being caught of guard. Enter a shop or building where there are people if you think you are being followed.
– If a friend or a taxi takes you home, ask them to wait until you are safely inside.
– Have your car or house key in your hand as you approach your car or home.

IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

– Keep a lookout for pushbike riders and skateboarders on the footpath, particularly when walking around the corners.
– Have a local contact, family or friend, who can keep an eye on you and your home. You may be able to do the same for them.
– If you are going away, make arrangements for someone to collect mail etc. and keep an eye on things.

YOUR BANKING

– Keep your savings in a bank, building society etc., or invest it. Do not keep large amounts of money at home or in your handbag or wallet.
– Put your money into your purse or wallet before moving away from the teller.
– Many banks, credit unions, building societies and investments plans specifically for older people. Find a recommended company and seek their advice.

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