SAFETY IN THE CITY Melbourne East Police Station 226 Flinders Lane Melbourne, Victoria 3000 PH: Melbourne West Police Station 637 Flinders Street Melbourne, Victoria 3000 PH: Your Safety Is Important…

Safety Issues and Strategies Safety in the City Proactive… Information about Melbourne Public Transport Getting Help What we are covering today overview extras media “I’m informed and aware” Road safety

Melbourne is a safe city Melbourne… overview extras media 750, 000 visitors per day A large number of CCTV cameras positioned around the city 80% of crime in the city is opportunistic Information centres & City Ambassadors are there for you Melbourne

Around Melbourne All City Users… overview extras media Be mindful of large groups Share the footpaths Consider when, where and how you are using your mobile phone Lawful use of bikes & skateboards Melbourne is for everyone City Etiquette

Beggars vs. Buskers Safety… What to do? extras media Although it’s not an offence to give money, it’s an offence to beg Be aware of your environment Busking is not an offence Most buskers have permits

On the way to the city… Around the city… In shops, in lanes… On trains, trams & buses… Wherever you may be… Be aware of your surroundings Your Safety… If you are uncomfortable with your environment, or the people around you, then CHANGE IT! Awareness is your best defence... overview media

Everyone has a ‘fight’ or ‘flight’ response which is normal & healthy How do I know I’m scared? Your Safety… If you feel signs of fear, it’s best to use protective behaviours! Awareness is your best defence... overview media How does your body tell you? Examples: sweaty palms, increased heart rate, changes in breathing, uncomfortable stomach, hairs standing up on back of neck… … ….

What to do… Safety… Protective behaviours. media Avoid eye contact for extended periods. If confronted, draw attention to the situation i.e. be assertive & say loudly: “Leave me alone!” or “Don’t touch me!” Be aware of your surroundings – Use safely lit area or safety zones (ie main streets, safe taxi ranks, on platforms) Don’t isolate yourself, choose appropriate location If alone on public transport, travel close to the driver’s cabin or emergency button Use ‘positive’ & ‘assertive’ body language. Be aware of your environment

ATM Awareness Safety… Don’t be a victim overview extras media Have a friend watch out for you when using ATM’s Be aware of your environment Don’t count your cash at the machine Withdraw only what you need Protect your PIN

Safety… Valuables…? Mp3 players, mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and game consoles can be easy targets for opportunistic offenders. Can thieves see them? Don’t be a victim. Think about who is around you when accessing money… overview extras Protect your valuables at all times Out of sight, out of mind. Don’t leave yourself open to theft. Make sure your bags are securely zipped or done up to prevent people reaching into them

Road Safety Road safety… In 2009 there were 243 pedestrian collisions in the Melbourne CBD, 75 of those resulting in serious injury and 2 resulting in death. Your safety…. overview extras media By the time the driver sees you, it may be too late!

Transport Options Safety… Your way home…. overview extras media How are you getting home? Trains Trams Buses Night Rider Buses Safe City Taxi Ranks Family Friends

Responsible travelling… Travelling safe… overview extras media Ensure you have a ticket before travelling Validate every time you travel Make sure you have your concession card Know where these items are if you are asked by police or authorised officers Plan your trip Public Transport

Student Concession Card Concession Evidence of concession Health Care Card If you are 17 years or over, you must produce one of these as evidence of concession. overview extras media If you have a half yearly or yearly card you must have one of these concession cards (regardless of age)

“I was late for work.”“I didn’t have change.”“I didn’t have time.”“I thought it was valid all day.”“I lost my concession card.”“I can’t afford it.” Offences Ticketing, your responsibility. “The ticket machine doesn’t accept notes.”“I was going to buy one when I got off.”“I didn’t realise this was zone 2.”“I pay taxes, I don’t think I should have to buy a ticket.”“I have a job interview this morning.”“I didn’t have enough money for a full fare.”“I forgot.”“I didn’t realise this was zone 1.”“I lost it.”“I didn’t know you had to validate it.”“I’m a student, I don’t need a concession card.” Ticketing offences against the Transport Act include: Failing to produce evidence of concession. Transferring ticket to another person. Failing to hold a valid ticket. Failing to produce a valid ticket. overview media Transport Safety Act

Proactive Authorised Officers Power under The Transport Act: Ask to see your ticket, even after you have just left the vehicle (tram, train or bus) or a paid area of a station Ask for your name and address if you do not show a valid ticket Ask to see evidence which confirms your identity Arrest you until satisfied such evidence confirms your identity Arrest you until the police arrive if you refuse to comply Confiscate tickets for use as evidence if they believe an offence has occurred Power of arrest is under Sect. 458 of the Crimes Act media

Think about it... Be aware of your surroundings. Take responsibility for your own safety and legal requirements. Use safety lit areas. Keep valuables out of sight. Safety… Plan your time in the city Be mindful of the needs and rights of others. Know You’re Safe overview extras media

Around Melbourne Melbourne… overview extras media Call 000 for immediate assistance Report any thefts or crimes on the day they occur Front Yard Services, 19 King St Melbourne Kids Help Line 24 Hr Open Family 24hr Access to outreach in the city Your safety & wellbeing is important Getting Help

Questions? Thank you. Please have a safe and enjoyable time in Melbourne!