Personal Safety

Home and Vehicle Security

Online Safety

Public transport

• Become familiar with your regular transport timetable and check it to limit waiting time.
• Stand in well-lit areas near other people and sit with other passengers or close to the driver.
• Always keep a firm hold on your personal belongings.
• If you are travelling alone at night arrange to be met or collected at your stop.
• If the behaviour of someone is offensive or illegal, tell the driver and contact the police.
• Where possible, book a taxi over the phone as the driver’s details will be recorded and take note of the driver’s ID number that should be displayed on the front dash.  Sit in the rear seat of the taxi.
• Be conscious of your surroundings. If you are concerned with the route being taken to your destination or if something doesn’t feel right, ring a friend and tell them where you are and the taxi number.
• If you feel uncomfortable or in fear for your safety direct the driver to stop, leave the vehicle and seek assistance.
• Decline offers to share a fare with a stranger.

Driving

• At night, park your car in a well-lit area and keep your car windows up and doors locked.
• Have your keys or remote entry ready before approaching your car.
• If you are concerned about your safety when returning to your car, ask a person you trust to walk with you.
• Avoid placing bags and wallets on the passenger seat where they could be easily grabbed.
• Do not respond to aggressive behaviour from other drivers. Avoid eye contact and concentrate on the road and never pick up hitchhikers.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to a police station or a populated area. Don’t drive to your home address.
• Make sure you have enough fuel to reach your destination and your car is serviced regularly to avoid breakdowns.
• If your car should break down in an isolated area, activate the hazard lights, sit inside the car with the windows rolled up, the doors locked and call for assistance. Never go with strangers and stay with your car.

Holidays are a time to relax, visit family and friends and spend time outdoors. Whether you are staying in a hotel, motel, hostel, caravan park or at a campsite, please consider the following safety and security tips to have a happy holiday.

SA Police in partnership with Neighbourhood Watch SA have recently produced a new Caravan and Recreational Vehicle Security booklet, packed full of safety and security advice for caravan and RV users.  Download your copy of the booklet here.

Going on Holiday?

• Lock all doors, windows and gates before leaving and take spare keys with you.
• Use automatic timers to turn on lights and radios. Tune to talkback programs, as it gives an impression of people being at home.
• Leave your curtains and blinds partially open. People will not be able to see straight in and you will create doubt about whether someone is home.
• Cancel all your regular deliveries.
• Hang some old clothes on your clothes line.
• Turn your phone and doorbell volume to low. * Never leave a holiday message on your answering machine or voicemail.
• Ask a friend or trusted neighbour to: park their car in your driveway and collect your mail or organise for Australia Post to hold your mail, put out and bring in your rubbish bins on collection day, listen for your alarm and leave emergency contact details and a spare set of keys with them with instructions on what to do if your alarm is activated.

Accommodation Security

• Be aware of your new surroundings and take note of emergency plans.
• Ensure all doors and windows are locked, even when going out for a short time.
• Secure valuable items in a safe. If there is no safe, take them with you.
• Take your keys with you. Do not hide them.

Vehicle Security

• Keep your keys in a safe location. Do not hide them in your car, caravan or boat.
• Remove valuable items such as GPS devices, mobile phones, laptops and cameras.
• Secure and lock all doors and windows.
• Remove fishing rods, tackle boxes and valuables from boats and trailers.
• Securely attach trailers and boats to a vehicle or a solid fixture when not in use.

Personal Safety

• Always tell your family and friends of your travel plans and provide them with your itinerary so they know where you are and how to contact you in an emergency.
• Where possible, travel with a friend or in a group.
• Maintain regular contact with your family or friends, so they know you are safe.
• Keep your mobile phone charged and in your possession, as you may require it in an emergency.
• Don’t carry large amounts of money. Only carry what you need for the day.
• Walk confidently and keep to well-lit and populated areas. Use the appropriate pedestrian crossings and footpaths and walk against the flow of traffic.
• Never hitchhike or accept a ride with strangers.

Road Safety

• Plan your trip. Drive on major roads and don’t take shortcuts.
• Make sure your vehicle is road worthy and you have sufficient fuel.
• Interstate and overseas visitors must carry a current driver’s licence when driving in South Australia.
• Always drive with your doors locked.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• In Australia, you must drive on the left-hand side of the road.
• When driving long distances, share the driving and stop for at least 15 minutes every two hours.
• On open roads the speed limit in South Australia is 100 km/h unless otherwise signposted.
• In built-up areas the speed limit in South Australia is 50 km/h unless otherwise signposted.
• You and your passengers must wear a seatbelt.
• Do not exceed the prescribed concentration of alcohol for your class of driver’s licence (0.05 for holders of a full driver’s licence).
• It is an offence to drive a motor vehicle whilst being under the influence of a drug, or having a prohibited drug in your oral fluid or blood.
• It is an offence to drive whilst using a mobile phone.
• You must wear an approved helmet that is correctly fitted and fastened when riding motor bikes, bicycles and wheeled recreational devices such as rollerblades, skateboards and scooters.