Make yourself safer and protect your home, your family, your belongings or your business by following some of these simple suggestions.
9pm, it's time
Victoria Police statistics show the 49% of vehicles thefts in Dandenong were unlocked or showed no sign of forced entry.
These thefts are opportunistic and are easily preventable.
The City of Greater Dandenong has partnered with Victoria Police through the '9pm, it's time' campaign as a reminder to residents to secure property to prevent theft.
Thieves are opportunistic and look for easy targets. You can make it more difficult for them by locking items away and keeping them out of sight and locking doors and windows.
The 9pm routine makes it a habit to:
- Collect valuables from your car.
- Lock your car.
- Lock your home (doors and windows).
- Lock your garage.
- Leave an outside light on.
If you see something, say something:
In an emergency, call 000 (triple zero).
For non-urgent matters, call 131 444 or report online to Victoria Police.
If you have information that could help solve a crime, make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
Protecting your home, car and belongings
The simplest way to prevent someone breaking into your home is to make sure it’s always as secure as possible. Even doing a few small things is a step in the right direct to a more secure home:
Get to Know Your Neighbours
Build a friendly relationship with neighbours to watch out for each other’s homes, greater connections with those around us can deter suspicious activity.
Lock All Doors and Windows
Always keep your doors and windows locked, even if you’re just stepping out for a short time.
Make Your Home Look Occupied
Use timers to turn lights and radios on and off when you’re away to give the impression someone is home.
Garden hacks to deter intruders
Keeping your garden tidy is a signal that your home is well-maintained and occupied.
Follow more tips from Victoria Police on securing your property to prevent crime.
Safety for young people and children
Neighbourhood Watch 4 Kids has a program of activities, tools and learning resources for parents, kids and teachers to help kids learn the simple things key can do to feel and be safer at home, at school, online and in the community.
Be safe and enjoy your ride, visit Neighbourhood Watch to see the top tips for teens in keeping safe when using public transport.
Visit the Greater Dandenong Youth Services website for information on events, programs and services available to keep young people supported and engaged.
Crime prevention for businesses
Crime and anti-social behaviour can impact on the profitability of your business.
There are various crime prevention initiatives which are proving effective in helping to combat crime against businesses.
Check out those listed below, to see which best suits your business needs.
- Get to know your neighbouring businesses or start up a business-led network to keep informed, share insights, and collectively implement local initiatives.
- The Greater Dandenong Liquor Accord is a voluntary scheme which allows licensees to work together to reduce anti-social behaviour related to alcohol and substance misuse, improving the safety of their premises for customers, staff and the local community.
- Keep it tidy. It’s a fact that rubbish attracts rubbish. If a property is messy, some people won’t think twice about adding to it, graffitiing or simply hanging around in the area.
- Meet and greet. Shoplifters can always assess how easy it is to steal from a shop by how soon after they enter they are spoken to by a member of staff. It’s known as ‘the three-to-five second rule’. Greeting customers as they enter your premises can put off shoplifters because it sends out a message that you and your staff are paying attention. If a thief thinks they've been spotted they're more likely to leave.
- Report it. Victoria Police can enforce laws relating to crime and anti-social behaviour in public spaces.
Call the Police Assistant Line on 131 444 to report non-urgent crime or 000 in an emergency.
