Neighbourhood Watch: STN 1 South Yarra
Region 1 Division 2
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Newsletter May - June, 2005 Planning ahead, or thinking
about possible options, may enable you to think more clearly when actually
faced with a problem, and give you the confidence to carry out the plan. Trust your instincts and do
what makes you feel safe. An important aspect of a safety plan is developing
a network of people who you can trust, and contact for advice or assistance
if you feel your personal safety is threatened, or in an emergency. People
you might consider maybe relatives, friends, work mates, neighbours, police,
or other emergency services. Make a conscious decision that
you will not become somebody’s victim. Look around you and project
confidence. Face your fears and decide that they are not going to ruin your
life. Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Be prepared to
take the steps that will allow you to carry out your everyday life without
constant fear. Crime is around, but be
prepared to not be a victim, and put crime into perspective. Actual crime is
different to perceived crime. Remember the media tends to over sensationalise
at times. Elements of crime 1. Victim 2. Offender 3. All of these elements must
combine in order for a crime to take place. If one element is missing the
crime cannot happen. The most variable element is opportunity. Many crimes
committed are not necessarily planned, but offenders take advantage of
circumstances that provided the opportunity. We refer to these crimes as
opportunistic crime. Influences on an offender 1. Risk 2. Effort 3. Reward 4. Excuses All of these influence the
offender on whether or not he/she will commit the offence. Do not give them
the opportunity. Make things harder for them. Make yourself a
“hard” target. Here are some personal safety
tips to consider in formulating a safety plan. Public transport Plan your trip, which routes
you will take, cost, method of payment Check timetables in advance
– avoid long waits at platforms, particularly in the evening. Be
prepared if you have a long wait for your train, tram or bus. Stay in
well-lit areas or wait near local shops. Stand where you can be seen. Where possible sit with others
or travel with a friend. Face other travellers If you are harassed or
assaulted, complain loudly to draw attention to yourself. If leaving your car at a
station, park as close as possible to the station, and have your keys ready
when you leave the station. Remain Alert: take note of
suspicious people Consider an aisle seat, rather
than a window seat. There is less chance of being blocked in. Consider carrying a personal
alarm Be familiar with PTC security.
eg. Sit in the front carriage near driver. In your vehicle Keep your car full of petrol,
air and water, and well serviced. Plan your trip: always carry a
road map. Inform someone of your trip
destination, estimated time, and proposed route. Check your doors are locked
before driving off. Keep a torch, pen, paper and
coins in glove box for emergency. You never know what you might witness or
observe. Do not pick up hitchhikers. If you think you are being
followed, confirm your suspicions by making turns and staying on busy and
brightly-lit streets if at night. If you are still being followed, do not
drive home revealing where you live. Drive to a police station, open service
station, or similar place where you can call the police. Note registration
number, description etc. If a driver ahead of you
deliberately forces you to stop by breaking or blocking the road, do not turn
off the engine as you may stall when trying to restart. If the driver gets out of the
car and comes towards you, remain in your car with doors locked and windows
shut. Sound your horn and flash your lights. Leave a safe distance between
cars, at lights. This helps to avoid problems of road rage or the creation of
aggravated situations. If your car starts to falter,
stop in a safe place, rather than continuing to your destination, risking a
breakdown. Consider carrying a mobile
phone. Do not put RACV tag with
Registration number on keys. If you loose your keys an offender may find your
car and steal it from a car park. In the workplace Avoid discussing your personal
or company details such as living arrangements or your financial situation.
You don’t know who is listening. Don’t think that all offenders
are on the outside. Be careful of what you say. To and from work: is there a
possibility of joining a car pool or travelling with work colleagues. Verify ID of visitors to your
workplace, where necessary, to maintain security and safety. You have a right
to be there and others that also have that right, will not feel offended. Claim ownership over your
workplace. Wear your ID and question those who don’t. Be mindful of
people following you into the building or secured areas (tailgating). Do not leave valuables
unsecured. Many thefts are committed in house by staff. Not just company
items, but personal property such as wallets, phones, laptops are taken. Utilise security when
available, or work mates, to walk you to your vehicle, or if available take
advantage of staff taxi service. What would you do in an
emergency? What is the company plan? Who to contact? Panic alarms? Notify
security? Be mindful on the telephone,
others may be listening. Remove ID tags when leaving
work. Report incidents to your
supervisor- no matter how minor. In offering this information
it is not our intention to make you paranoid or to undermine your trust of
your fellow workmates, but to ask that you be mindful of, and to get to know,
your work colleagues. You are not being distrustful, just protecting yourself
and your possessions. This information is from the
July 2005 NHW Bulletin which can be found on the internet at: www.neighbourhoodwatch.com.au
and click on publications. Volunteers Wanted The last twelve months has seen the ranks of Neighbourhood
Watch depleted with a number of long term volunteers moving out of the area.
We desperately need to replace those people. If you are able to help please
call 9827 6931. Next Meeting Acknowledgement: |
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Last
modified 1 July 2005.