How to Get Around Campus

Personal Safety

Everyone has the right to be safe and live without fear. The practical information contained within this brochure provides the basis for you to be safe and encourages you and your friends to think about your own "Personal Safety Plan".

There are no hard and fast rules to protect yourself --use commonsense and don't get into a position where you could be attacked.

Your plan should be about simple practical steps that can prevent a threat to your safety or at least help you prepare if your safety is threatened. It is about taking simple safety steps that should become habits.

Out Walking

Keep alert, walk confidently. If you feel unsafe, head for the nearest well-lit or populated area.
Always walk against the flow of traffic. This will allow you to see cars approaching.
If possible, walk with other friends.
If you are concerned about people following you or approaching you, don't stop to have a conversation with them. Try to keep moving and remain confident even if you feel nervous.
At night, avoid walking in areas where the lighting is poor, such as parks and laneways.
Handbags should be carried either in front of you or under your arm with the strap secured. Never let the bag or strap hang loosely.
If you carry a mobile, you should dial 112 in case of an emergency. This works if your keypad is locked.
Avoid wearing headphones so that you can hear what is happening around you.
If you do walk alone, consider varying your route and carry a personal duress alarm.

Safety On Public Transport

When using public transport, check timetables to ensure you are not waiting long periods at transport stops. If you do have to wait, stand in a well-lit area and near other people if possible
Do not isolate yourself when travelling. Sit or stand near others or near the driver
Be aware of who gets off at your stop. If you feel you are being followed and feel nervous, take action according to your personal safety plan
Carry coin, a telephone card or a mobile phone to call someone if the need arises
If you are catching a taxi, try to book rather than hail one

Safer ATM Banking

Always follow your feelings about personal safety. If you feel unsafe about using a particular ATM - for example if it's in an isolated or dark location, consider using another one or a terminal in a supermarket or service station

Be aware of people around you or watching you while you use an ATM
Make sure no one can see you enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN)
Develop your own way of remembering your PIN. Never keep it written down
Never count your cash in sight of other people
Consider placing limits on your daily withdrawals
Always report concerns or problems associated with the location of the ATM to the bank

Safety and Your Car

When driving

Keep doors locked and your handbag, briefcase and other valuables out of sight
Don't respond to aggressive actions from other drivers. Stay calm, avoid eye contact and make note of the description of the car and driver. Drive to a safe place and if necessary contact police
If you think you are being followed by another car, make a 'U' turn and drive to a safe place
Be careful when you stop to assist motorists with broken down vehicles or after an accident. It is not necessary to get out of your vehicle. If in doubt talk and exchange particulars through a partly open window with doors locked

When parking

Always park your car in a well-lit and highly visible area and think ahead about safely returning in the dark
When entering or leaving your car be aware of other people about the area. If you are concerned then consider taking some action. This may be to report the suspicious person to police or telling security if you are at a shopping area
Never leave any valuables like wallets and mobile phones so they can be seen from outside your vehicle. Lock them in the glove box or boot of the car
Lock your vehicle when it is left unattended, even if you are only planning to make a short stop such as paying for petrol. It's easy to get distracted
Always return to your car with your keys in your hand ready to unlock it
Always keep an eye on your handbag or wallet when you are loading your car

Stop Mobile Phone Theft

Mobile Phones are stolen every day. Here are some easy to follow steps to protect your mobile phone:

Always carry a mobile phone safely
Be careful not to leave it behind any where
Keep your PIN and security codes active on your phone. This will render the phone useless if it is stolen or lost
All SIM Cards are supplied with an activated network PIN Code. This code should remain activated so that every time your phone is switched on it will ask for this code. You should change the code to an easily remembered personal number
An Equipment Security Code is also supplied with your phone. It creates a second level of security. If a SIM Card other than your own is inserted, the phone will ask for this code
Refer to your mobile phone instruction book for detailed instructions on how to improve the security of your phone

Safety On The Social Scene

Many people enjoy socialising at nightclubs, bars and other venues. When planning a night out, especially involving alcohol, here are a number of suggestions that can assist in making the night enjoyable and safer for all.

Plan how you are going to get home, eg taxi, friends etc. Help friends stay safe. Consider designating a trusted person to stay sober and keep an eye on the rest of the group
Think about eating before and during the night. This will fill your stomach and decrease the amount you feel like drinking
Avoid 'shouts' - it is important to drink at your own pace, not others
Finish each drink. Avoid topping up your glass and avoid mixing different types of alcoholic drinks
Have a soft drink or water in between alcoholic drinks
You can reduce the amount you drink by getting involved with other activities at parties or clubs. Get up and dance or play pool etc
Avoid leaving your drink unattended in case someone 'spikes' it.
Do not accept an unsealed drink from anyone that you do not know and trust
Always remember to look after bags and personal possessions

Report Crime To Police
'Timely reporting, catches criminals'

It is important to report all crime as soon as it happens. This allows Police to respond to patterns of crime as early as possible.
Report to the police any happenings or incidents that arouse your suspicion. This action may prevent something happening to others
Report all crime as soon as possible to the nearest police station
Remember as much detail about what happened. Location, details of the offender/s, weapons used, witnesses, injuries. Give all relevant details to the police