> Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure at home, and when out and about in the community.

> Read our personal safety tips to help you stay safe, and find out what you need to do if there is a threat to your safety.

> In an emergency, always call 000 (Triple Zero).

For non-emergency police assistance (available 24 hours a day), call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Get help now

For all life-threatening emergencies, if you are in danger, someone is injured, or if a crime is currently in progress – call 000 (Triple Zero).

For non-emergency police assistance (available 24 hours a day), call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

What happens if you call 000 (Triple Zero)

When you call 000 (Triple Zero) you will be connected to an operator who will ask you what state you are in and which service you require – AMBULANCE or POLICE or FIRE SERVICE.

You will be connected, and the operator of that service will then ask you:

what is the location of your emergency (street address, house/building number)

what has happened/is happening

your name

your contact details (such as phone number if they need to call you back)

any other relevant information – such as the names of people involved, more details on what is happening, more detailed location/access information if needed.

Stay on the line with the operator until they tell you to hang up. Try to remain calm while help is on the way and tell the operator if anything changes while you are waiting.

Personal safety in public settings

Follow these key safety tips when you are out and about to increase your personal safety in public settings.

When you are out and about

Always carry your mobile phone with you and be able to reach it easily.
Make sure that your phone is charged before you leave home.

Always carry some form of personal identification – this might be a driver’s licence or Keypass Identity Card. Photo ID is best, but alternatively, your Medicare card is a good option.

Do not carry your wallet, phone or other valuable items in your back pockets. Ensure your items fit snuggly in your front pocket or are zipped securely in a bag.

If you use a bag or handbag, wear it across your body, especially in crowded places – this makes it harder for someone to snatch it from your shoulder. Try to choose secure zippable and/or flap closure bags.

Never leave your handbag or items unattended. Don’t place your handbag in a trolley when shopping or on a vacant seat next to you at a café, cinema or other public venue. A moment of distraction is enough for a thief to take an unsecured bag or item.

When you are out walking

Remove your headphones/ear buds when crossing roads or busy intersections to maximise awareness of your surroundings.

If walking at night, try to stick to well-lit and busier streets. If walking in a poorly lit area, walk in the direction of oncoming traffic and walk as far away as possible (but staying on footpaths) from doorways or bushes along your route.

Cross the road at safe spots such as pedestrian crossings and traffic lights whenever they are available. At night it is difficult for a driver to see pedestrians in low light conditions – staying on footpaths and crossing at designated areas can save your life. Never assume a driver has seen you and always leave enough time to make your crossing.

Be aware of your surroundings and cautious of people who stop you to talk, for example – to ask for directions. Finish the conversation as quickly as possible and attempt to keep moving. If you feel that someone is following you or, your feel threatened:
- cross the street to deter them from continuing to follow you
- get the attention of people nearby, or if you are in an isolated situation, make a phone call
- if you feel under direct threat, call 000 if you can, or make noise that will draw attention to you from passersby, for example – shout ‘help!’ or ‘fire!’ as loudly as you can
- enter a safer area as soon as possible – as soon as you see a shop, restaurant or busy public place, make your way there and seek help.

On public transport

If you are travelling by bus, check the timetable in advance to limit the amount of time you have to wait at the bus stop.

If you are travelling at night, wait for your transport in a well-lit area. If possible, wait in a busy, public area where other people are present.

If the bus is nearly empty, sit closer to the driver at the front of the bus where you will be able to alert them to concerns more easily.

If you are using a taxi or rideshare service (Uber etc), ensure that when your ride arrives, key details match up, for example – for rideshares check the number plate, vehicle description and driver name/photo match. For taxis, check that the taxi displays a taxi service registration number, and the driver is aware of your fare details. Taxis are obliged to take you to your destination via the shortest route unless you advise otherwise.

Check that the vehicle seems in good working order – do not get into a taxi or rideshare that appears to have significant body work damage or faults such as non-working headlights.

Interacting with people offering goods or services (charity collectors and door to door salespeople)

In Tasmania, laws apply to any person who solicits money for a charitable purpose or for the direct selling of goods and services.

Charity collectors must wear identity cards showing their name, organisation and the location of the charity’s main office.

If someone approaches you to sell goods or services, you are not obliged to interact with them, however, if you wish to speak with them, you can improve your personal safety by:

keeping the conversation short and to the point
asking the person to identify themselves by name, the organisation they work for, what they are selling/offering
independently verifying any information you are given before going ahead with a purchase or donation – don’t feel pressured to make a decision immediately, for example – you may want to look up the business/charity online or phone their office for more information.
looking up business/charity contact details online yourself (rather than relying on the salesperson to provide you with a website or phone number)
undertaking an online search for reviews about the business/charity
not providing any personal details until you are satisfied of the person/business/charity’s legitimacy – even then, only provide the minimum information required to complete your purchase or donation.

Remember – no business or charity representative should ever ask you for information such as online account passwords.

Links and resources

To report a safety concern or crime, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 at any time and provide details of the incident.
For information about family violence (including elder or child abuse) and access to resources and assistance, visit the Family and sexual violence page
For Home security and safety tips, visit the Home/Residential Security page, and download a copy of our Home Security Audit Checklist.
For information about personal online safety and avoiding scams (including helpful guides to making reports), visit the eSafety Commissioner website and check out ScamWatch.
Personal safety infosheet

Tasmania Police

Personal safety tips