FOR THE RESIDENTS OF FAIRFIELD CITY
M E S S A G E
F R O M
T H E
Mayor of
Fairfield City
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We wish to extend a special thank you to the
NSW Attorney Generals Crime Prevention Division
for their financial support.
This Community Crime Prevention Guide for the
Residents of Fairfield City is based on research and
reference to a number of publications. We would like
to acknowledge the following:
Safety and Crime Prevention Tips:
Salvation Army
“Smoke Alarms – Now there’s no excuse”:
NSW Fire Brigade.
Guidelines to Fraud Prevention:
NSW Police Service, 1996.
Your Crime Prevention Guide:
Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 1998
This publication is intended as a basic crime
prevention guide for the broader community
who may not be familiar with the many ways of
preventing crime. Improved knowledge and
awareness of common sense strategies and
precautions will help to reduce the opportunity
for crime.
Fairfield City Council is committed to a partnership based strategy
with local Police, the business community, government agencies
and the local community to be proactive and prevent crime before
The Little Black Book of Scams:
Commonwealth of Australia, 1999
it happens.
Be Safe – Working Together for Safe Communities:
British Columbia Ministry of Attorney General,
1999.
We are dedicated to the strategy of preventing crime before it takes
Practical Crime Prevention:
New Zealand Police Crime Prevention, 1999
Your Practical Guide to Crime Prevention:
The Home Office Website, England 1999.
“How to Protect Your Car”:
NRMA Crime Safe
Prepared by:
Doug McKenzie
Coordinator
Crime Prevention Program,
Fairfield City Council
Administration Centre
126 Avoca Road, Wakeley, NSW 2176
Ph: (02) 9725-0868, Fax: (02) 9757 4720
Email: dmckenzie @ fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
A summarised version of this publication is available
through Fairfield City Council Website – Address:
www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
place.The success of this strategy largely depends on the creation of
partnerships with, and involvement from, the community. Community
partnerships increase communication and facilitate mutual problem
solving while building awareness of cultural diversity.
Crime prevention efforts can only be successful when all parts of the
community work together, and as such, communities are encouraged
to work with the police to ensure that resources are effectively and
efficiently used. I am confident that this publication will greatly assist in
improving community safety.
This guide provides simple, effective suggestions that enhance
your personal safety and security, while helping prevent crime in
our community.
Disclaimer
The author and publisher of this publication exclude liability
for loss suffered by any person or organisation resulting in
any way from the use of or reliance on this publication.
Councillor Anwar Khoshaba
M AYO R , C I T Y O F F A I R F I E L D
Contents
1.
Household Security and Property Marking . . . . 2-3
2.
Personal Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
3.
Handbag Snatching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4.
Keeping Your Car Safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5.
Safe Banking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6.
Getting a Babysitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7.
Safety Whilst Out and About With Your Child . . . 9
8.
Threatening and Anonymous Phone Calls . . . . . . 10
9.
Bicycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
10. Con Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
11. Fraud Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13
12. Smoke Alarms and Fire Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15
13. Assistance for Drug Related Problems . . . . . . . . . 15
14. Suspicious Persons Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
15. Important Emergency Contact Details . . . . . . . . . 17
1.
Burglaries committed on
residential premises are
generally the result of
criminals taking advantage
of an opportunity. Many
burglaries can be
prevented.
Simple precautions like
window locks and
security deadlocks on
doors do work in
preventing burglary.
safety tips
Victims of home burglary
find the experience
traumatic, disturbing and
intimidating.
2
By being consciously
proactive you can
implement a plan that will
reduce the opportunity
for crime and minimise
both personal and
property damages if a
crime does occur.
There is strong evidence
to suggest that break
and enter victims are
likely to be the subject
of repeat incidents if
the premises security
is not improved.
Household Security
and the Importance of
Marking Your Property
The following security advice should be used as a checklist
for your home and appropriate improvements.
Lock Windows
Ensure that windows are fitted
with a quality deadlock.
Windows at the side and
rear of your premises are
particularly vulnerable.
Louvre windows need to be
permanently secured.
Fit sensor security lights to
cover areas of the building
with windows.
Include quality exterior
lighting for windows at the
front of your premises.
Small Windows – Many
residents make the mistake of
not securing small windows like
skylights or bathrooms, however
a thief can get in easily.
Doors
Keep garage doors locked
with a sturdy lock, preferably
sliding bolts.
Doors should be solid and well
fitted with an appropriate
locking mechanism. Hollow
core doors, which can be easily
broken, should not be at
external entry points.
Patio doors should have special
locks fitted to and bottom
unless fitted with a multilocking system. Also install an
anti-lift device to stop a thief
simply lift the door off its rail.
Fit security mortice lock
to french doors, and mortice
bolts to the top and bottom of
both doors.
Alarm Systems
Alarm systems provide an
excellent backup, however a
balance between electronic and
physical security is required.
Alarms provide two methods
of detection, at the perimeter
of the building or units within
the premises once the
perimeter has been breached.
Ensure that you have a back to
base alarm system.
Installation of the alarm
system should comply with
and meet the intent of the
requirements of the Australian
Standard for Intruder Alarm
Systems part 1: Systems
installed in a clients premises.
Safes
A safe offers a high level of
security, especially for items
such as cash, jewellery and
important documents.
There are may different grades
of safes available and your
choice will be determined by
the degree of resistance you
require. For maximum security,
a licensed professional should
install wall and floor safes.
safety
tip
Marking Your Valuables
Thieves like portable, high value, easily saleable
goods like music cds, mobile phones, jewellery,
and others such as videos, computer hard drives,
cameras etc. You can mark these goods in a
number of ways using an engraving tool, ultra
violet pens or microdot technology.
Identification of your valuables/equipment and
other property helps police to identify stolen
property, together with victims of stealing and
break and enter offences.
Never leave a garage or garden
shed unlocked, especially if it
has a connecting door to the
house. Lock tools and ladders
away so that a thief cannot use
them to break in.
Strangers
Be alert to suspicious people
loitering in residential streets,
or perhaps walking in and out
of the front yard of houses.
Do not open your door
without first asking who is
there and being sure you know
and trust the person outside.
The best defences against a
doubtful caller are a viewer or
spy hole in the door and a
stout door chain.
Remember; if in doubt keep
them out.
It is generally suggested that you mark your
valuables with an easily identifiable number such
as your drivers licence. Property which cannot be
marked, or which is expensive and unique should
be videotaped or photographed. You should keep
an inventory (item type, make, serial number and
value) of all valuables and equipment and ensure
this information is secured for future reference.
Don’t let the caller stop
you doing these things by
saying he or she is in a hurry.
A genuine caller won’t mind
waiting outside with door
closed while you ring.
Spare Keys
Never leave a
spare key in a
hiding place
like under a doormat,
in a flowerpot or inside
the letterbox.
While You Are Away
From Home For an
Extended Period
of Time
When on holidays make your
home look lived in.
Have your mail and newspaper
delivery stopped or gets a
neighbour to collect them.
Consider putting your lights
and or radio on a timer.
Ask someone to put out your
rubbish bin and take it in
when emptied.
Looking After Your Flat
Make sure your front door is
strong. Fit hinge bolts, which
stop someone pulling the door
from its hinges, and fix a special
steel strip into the doorframe.
If you have rear sliding doors
ensure that a wood dowel is
placed between the door and
the frame, and ensure that a
slide bolt lock is used to
reinforce security.
Make sure doors are strong,
solid core construction. Fit a
five-lever mortise deadlock.
A deadlock can only be opened
with a key, so a thief cannot
smash a nearby glass panel to
open the door from inside.
safety tips
Garages and Sheds
Never leave a
spare key in a
hiding place.
3
2.
Don’t let the fear of crime
At Home
rule your life and stop you
Make sure your house or flat is
secured. Always secure outside
doors. If you have to use a key,
keep it nearby – you may need
to get out quickly in the event
of a fire.
from enjoying the things you
like doing however, be aware
that the following
precautions may be able to
assist you. One of the most
inexpensive measures you
can take to protect yourself
against crime is to include
safety tips
certain habits into your daily
routine by staying alert to
your surroundings and to
trust your instincts. Most
4
Personal Safety
people already do this as
part of their everyday lives,
often without realising it.
Never reveal any information
about yourself to a stranger
(particularly over the phone),
and never say you are alone.
Visitors: Don’t open the door
to anyone you don’t know
and trust.
If someone wants to use the
telephone for an emergency,
offer to make the call for them
without letting them in.
Be suspicious of people
requesting entry to your
home to check appliances or
equipment such as the
telephone or electricity. Ask to
see their identity card and take
time to look at it carefully
before letting them in.
Out and About
Stay alert and aware of what is
happening around you, walk
with confidence and purpose.
Avoid dark and lonely places,
especially at night.
Where possible walk with a
friend or in a crowd.
Carry your wallet inside a coat
or front pocket.
Have your keys in your hand
and be ready before arriving at
your home or car.
safety
tip
Stay in open,
populated and
well-lit areas.
Never take short cuts through
parks, vacant lots, laneways or
poorly lit streets, particularly
at night.
Walk facing the traffic so a car
cannot pull up behind you.
If You Are Followed:
Keep looking over your
shoulder and let the person
following you know that you
are aware of their presence.
Cross the street and vary your
pace, Seek help at the nearest
shop or home that looks
occupied, and call the police
immediately. Try to make a
note of the appearance of the
person so as to give a
description to Police.
If you regularly go jogging,
walking or cycling, try to vary
your route and time. Stay on
well-lit roads with pavements.
In parkland areas, keep to
main paths and open spaces
where you can see and be seen
by other people.
While on Public
Transport
Check the timetable before you
leave, so you don’t have to wait
at bus stops/railway stations.
Stay in open, populated and
well-lit areas.
Avoid empty train carriages.
Where possible sit on an aisle.
Stand and sit near other people
if possible. Check to see where
the emergency button is.
safety tips
Don’t hesitate to seek
assistance from railway
employees or other people if
you feel you are under some
particular threat.
When travelling – sit in the
carriage closest to the guard or
bus driver.
Don’t hitch hike or take lifts
from strangers.
Try to stay away from isolated
bus stops, especially after dark.
When walking down railway
platforms or disembarking
from transport at night, always
walk with other commuters.
If you feel uncomfortable,
ask to be let out in a well-lit
area, where there are plenty
of people.
Wait in full view of the
train or bus, not in a dark or
hidden area.
Do not get in a taxi if you feel
uneasy about the driver.
When travelling in a cab,
sit behind the driver.
If You Are Confronted !
If a person approaches you or a car stops and you are threatened,
scream and shout and set off your personal alarm if you have one.
Get away as quickly as you can.
If you can make a mental note of the persons appearance,
the number of the car and its description.
Write down the details as soon as possible afterwards and
contact police.
Personal Alarms
Consider carrying personal
security devices, such as a
shrill or personal alarm, and
keep it where you get to it
easily – don’t leave it at the
bottom of your handbag.
When waiting for or coming
from a bus or train, or when
simply waling in the street at
night these can be useful if you
are placed in a situation of fear
and concern for your safety.
5
3.
A street crime, which has
increased dramatically in
recent years, is the offence
of handbag snatching.
Women are particularly
vulnerable, wherever they
are. Again, as with all forms
of crime prevention, the
same basic principle applies,
you must take away the
safety tips
opportunity.
Handbag Snatching
Try to avoid just dangling
your handbag down by your
side from your hand or
shoulder. Always keep the bag
in front of your body. Always
be aware of people coming
from behind you, and
remember that handbag
snatchers sometimes.
Never leave your bag on a
shopping trolley – and don’t
leave it at your feet. No matter
where you are, it is always
advisable to keep the bag
with you.
Never let your handbag out of
your sight. On public
transport, keep hold of it.
6
In the office, keep it in a
locked drawer out of sight.
Avoid using personal banking
machines late at night. Be alert
of vehicles or persons that may
be nearby.
When you place money
into your handbag, try and
avoid allowing people to
observe where you put it.
This applies especially when
you are using an ATM outside
financial institution.
Carry your bag close to you
with clasp facing inwards.
Carry your house keys in your
pocket. If someone grabs your
bag, let it go. If you hang on,
you could get hurt. Remember
your safety is more important
than your property.
safety
tip
In the office, keep it
in a locked drawer
out of sight.
If, despite all these
precautions, your bag is taken
and there are credit cards and
house keys in it, cancel the
credit cards immediately and
have your house locks changes
as soon as possible.
4.
Keeping Your Car Safe
Car Theft Prevention
Engine Immobilisers
Almost every five minutes a car
is stolen in Australia. Often
they’re taken for a joy ride,
vandalised and dumped, or
stripped for spare parts and never
seen again. Car theft costs the
community hundreds of millions
of dollars each year.
A good engine immobiliser
should isolate at least two
electrical circuits automatically,
to prevent the engine from
starting. These should be
independent of each other and
isolate two of the following:
When using car parks, you
should consider the following
security tips:
Ensure your windows and sun
roof are closed.
Set your alarm or immobiliser.
Use security devices such as
a steering wheel lock if you
have them.
Hide any valuable, or better
still take them with you.
Always park in busy, well
lit areas.
Never leave your registration,
insurance or ownership papers
in the glove box.
Carry your keys ready to
unlock the doors when
returning to your vehicle and,
once inside, lock the doors.
Starter, ignition, fuel system.
Vehicle Monitoring
and Tracking Devices
Car Alarms
(Australian Standard
Certified Alarms)
Monitoring and tracking
devices offer varying degrees of
accuracy and a variety of features.
They can be used for tracking
motor vehicles in real time and
could be used in vehicle recovery
after theft, sometimes leading to
the apprehension of thieves.
They enable your vehicle to be
monitored on a 24 hour basis.
It is recommended that you
obtain further details from
registered suppliers to allow you
to choose the produce best suited
to your needs.
Car alarms may offer
protection or warning against
theft from, as well as theft of,
the vehicle. Always ask the
installer to demonstrate the
alarm’s passive arming
immobiliser after installation.
Also, ask for a certificate of
compliance to the Australian
Standard when you purchase
an alarm.
Other Types of Car Theft
Protection Include:
Bonnet locks with an engine immobiliser
Ignition shields
Transmission locks
Door locks
Parking barriers
Steering wheel locks
Wheel clamps and locks,
and Window etching.
safety tips
Always lock your car doors
and boot.
An Australian Standards
certified alarm should have
sensors that offer perimeter
protection, interior protection,
anti-movement or vehicle
jacking and glass breakage
detection.
7
5.
safety
tip
Avoid carrying
large amounts
of cash.
safety tips
8
Safe Banking
Do not keep money at home.
Put it in a safe place (like a
bank, building society or
credit union).
If you have to carry a large
amount of cash put it inside a
front pocket, not insider your
wallet or purse.
Avoid carrying large amounts
of cash.
Vary your routine; never pay
bills at the same time and day
each week.
Pay your bills with cheques,
by phone, via secure internet
sites or through a program
like Bpay (contact your bank
for details).
When you place money
into your handbag, try and
avoid allowing people to
observe where you put it.
This applies especially when
you are using an ATM outside
financial institution.
When withdrawing money
from a bank or other
institution put it away
before leaving the teller or
cash machine.
Don’t count your money
in public, or in view of
other people.
6.
Parents must carefully consider
any person left in charge of
their children. If you can,
avoid using newspapers and try
to find someone you know.
Remember that keeping
children safe is everybody’s
business. Take notice if you see
a child alone or in distress, and
do something to help. Be
aware that they may be
frightened and told not to
speak to strangers.
It’s important to teach
young children how to
protect themselves when
out and about. It’s a good
idea to teach children some
family safety rules, including
how to protect themselves
without making them
frightened of everyone.
Get a trusted friend or family
member that you and your
child feel comfortable and
happy with.
Ask friends to recommend
someone.
Make arrangements with
friends to baby-sit each
other’s children.
Seek references to see whom
the baby sitter has worked
for previously.
Safety Whilst
Out and About
With Your Child
will happen if they tell you about
anyone who does approach them.
Teach your children what to do
if they ever get lost. Tell them
not to wander away from
where they last saw you.
Keep your child close to you.
Tell your child not to talk to
anyone they don’t know well
when they’re out.
Don’t leave small children in
unsupervised play areas in
shops and shopping centres.
You or a trusted minder needs
to stay with them all the time.
They should always tell you if
someone approaches them.
Young children need to be
reassured that nothing bad
Don’t ask stranger to keep an
eye on children, even, while
you queue at a café or go to
the toilet.
With all children, teach them
their address and telephone
number, so that they can be
brought back to you more
easily if they get lost.
Don’t leave your child in the
charge of another child.
Children need adults to look
after them.
Make your children feel that
they are an important part of
the family.
Show an interest in who they
are and what they do. Go with
your children to the sports
games or practice and praise
their efforts.
safety tips
7.
Getting a Babysitter
9
8.
Threatening and
Anonymous
Phone Calls
If You Receive an
Abusive or Threatening
Phone Call:
safety tips
Put the receiver down beside
the phone, and walk away.
Don’t listen to hear if the
caller is still there.
Don’t say anything –
an emotional reaction is just
what the caller wants. If the
calls continue, report it to the
police with a record of the
date, time and content or
nature of each call.
Information is a powerful tool
for criminals and the telephone
can be an easy, anonymous way
for them to gather it.
9.
Thousands of bicycles
are reported stolen
every year.
They are a popular target
with thieves because they
are easily sold.
Don’t answer questions about
your belongings, credit card
numbers, bank accounts or
other personal information
from an unknown or
unsolicited source.
If threatening phone calls
continue, report it to the
Police and keep a record of
the date, time and content of
each phone call. If Police are
required to trace the calls,
this information will help.
Bicycles
Mark the frame with your
name or some other form of
recognisable identification.
This will help the police get it
back to you if they find it.
Ensure that you record the
details of your bicycle and take
a photograph so that if your
bike is stolen and then
recovered, police will be able
to match it to the description.
Always lock your bike to
something solid like a railing.
Most bikes have a unique serial
number for identification
purposes marked on the frame.
Make sure you record this
number, as it will help with
recovery of the bike in the event
of theft.
10.
The Australian Oxford Dictionary
indicates that a scam is a
fraudulent trick or swindle.
Swindlers or con artists are smart,
friendly, persuasive and aggressive.
They look for an easy opportunity
to take your money. The greater
the opportunity you offer and the
easier you make it, the more you
increase your chances of falling for
a scam.
Pyramid Schemes.
Bogus Investments or Lotteries.
Alleged overseas investments
particularly the well known
Nigerian Letter Scam.
Return to Sender – Home
employment opportunities.
Foreign Lottery Tickets.
Off-Shore Investments.
Unsolicited mail and
telephone fraud.
Travel Clubs and Time Share
Traps that require you to pay
a fee.
Using unlicensed or
unqualified trades people.
Becoming entangled in an
internet web of deceit.
Simply buying goods and
services without understanding
their consumer rights and
responsibilities, and
Being caught up in the 0055/
1900 telephone number scams.
How Can You Protect
Yourself Against Scams?
You can reduce your chance of
being swindled by knowing who
it is you are dealing with. This
will help to protect you against
getting involved with scam
operators who set up companies,
accumulate debts then close down
and leave their debts behind.
Insist on written information
and written quotes for work.
Do not give a contractor a
large sum of money before the
work begins.
Never give personal
information over the
telephone, including credit
card and bank numbers, until
you establish that the company
is legitimate.
Ask for the name of the person
you are speaking to and whom
they represent.
Find out who are dealing with.
Independently verify claims
made by a salesperson,
investment adviser or
advertisement.
Never give personal
information over
the telephone.
Read letters carefully and
seek professional help
(eg. Accountant or solicitor)
if significant money, rime or
responsibilities are involved.
If you want to check out
the bona fides of a company,
contact the Australian and
Securities Investments
Commission.
Do business with companies
you know and trust and take
your time before you make
any decision.
Don’t judge the credibility of a
company by how professional
they or their promotional
material or web site seems.
Don’t fall for high-pressure sales
tactics and say ‘No’ if you are
being rushed into a decision.
Don’t let embarrassment or
fear keep you from reporting
fraud or abuse to the
appropriate authorities.
Who to Contact for Assistance
NSW Department of Fair Trading
Phone (02) 9895 0111 www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
Australian Securities and Investments Commission
Phone: 1300 300 630 or (02) 9911 2200 www.asic.gov.au
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
Phone: (02) 6243 1111 www.accc.gov.au
safety tips
People May be Tricked
in Hundreds of Ways
Including:
Common Rip-Offs
and Scams
safety
tip
11
11.
(Cheques, ATMS and
Credit Cards)
This section offers advice
about common fraud
related crime problems
and more importantly,
what you can do to deter
and prevent fraud.
safety tips
12
Fraud Prevention
Measures
Cheques
Common problems involved
fraud committed by the use of
cheques include:
Drawing of uncleared funds
from banks, ATMs, EFTPOS,
fraudulent representations of
stolen cheques, and cheques not
met on presentation.
safety
tip
Do not leave
blank spaces on
your cheques.
PREVENTION MEASURES:
MAKE SURE THAT:
Don’t leave your chequebook
in the glove box of your car.
Cheque details and
endorsement are in order.
Always keep your credit
cards separate from your
chequebook as a thief can
easily copy your signature.
There are no changes on
the cheque.
Do not automatically write
your address or phone number
on the back of cheques prior to
using them.
Do not leave blank spaces on
your cheques. Filling in the
blanks makes it difficult to
alter the amount or payee
name on the cheque.
If a cheque has any details
changed, erased or crossed
out – ensure that you request
additional forms of photo
identification to confirm
identity verification.
Challenge suspicious people
without clear identification,
or who you have not contacted
to attend a job at our house
or business.
The cheque has the
correct date.
Figures match the handwriting.
Signature is okay.
Contact the company by
phone to confirm the validity
of the cheque.
Contact banks for special
clearance of large cheque
amounts for expensive items,
particularly from new or
unknown customers.
Credit Cards
Credit card fraud involves
fraudulent transactions on credit
and debit cards, use at bank
branches for cash advances,
use at retail establishments for
goods and services, and at ATM
machines through counterfeit
cards, stolen/lost cards, poor
compliance and checking
procedures, and theft from motor
vehicles, handbags, letter boxes
and the postal system.
Examine credit cards very
carefully. Check the following
features of the card:
The Hologram (inferior
quality, different company
hologram, change of colour).
Commencement and expiry
date are correct.
The card is signed and the
signature has not been erased,
altered or written over.
Printing and embossing on
the card is clean and even –
no smudges, white tape,
and erasures.
Cardholders name and
EFTPOS machine receipt
details match.
Keep your PIN code confidential. A critical mistake is to write it
on your ATM card or on a piece of paper kept in your wallet.
Treat an ATM like cash. When you key your personal
identification number (PIN) do not allow others to see.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If you must carry cash,
be discreet when you make purchases.
After dark, look for well lit ATMs. If you see anyone or anything
suspicious, use a different ATM.
Carry only the credit cards
you need. Make a list of all our
credit cards and their numbers.
Keep this information in a
safe place. Destroy unwanted
or expired credit cards
immediately, cancel card with
the issuer.
Never lend a credit card to
anyone, and don’t give out any
information about your cards
over the phone or internet
unless you the request is
verified and legitimate.
Carefully check your monthly
statements to make sure each
purchase was made by you.
If you notice a credit card
missing – report it
immediately. The quicker you
call, the less time there is for
unauthorised use.
Don’t leave credit cards in a
car, hotel room or public place.
They can easily be used for
telephone purchases with little
risk of being caught.
Never disclose your PIN
over the telephone, even
when asked.
safety
tip
Never give personal
information over
the telephone.
Memorise your PIN number.
In workplaces, secure handbags
etc. in a separate, locked
cupboard out of public sight,
especially in commercial
premises or office blocks where
random offenders move from
floor to floor snatching handbags
and other valuable items.
safety tips
PREVENTION MEASURES
FOR PERSONAL
TRANSACTIONS &
PERSONAL USE:
Bank Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)
13
12.
Smoke Alarms and
Fire Safety
Living in a home without
Installation
a smoke alarm is risky
Follow manufacturer’s
instructions:
business. When fire occurs
in your home, your chances
of survival are twice as good
when smoke alarms are
present. Smoke alarms when
properly installed and
maintained following the
ON A CEILING
The smoke alarm should be
located in the centre of the
ceiling. If it cannot be located
here it should be located
300mm from any cornice
or wall.
manufacturer’s instructions),
safety tips
provide early warning when
fire occurs. Early warning
increases your chances
ON A WALL
The smoke alarm should be
located 300mm to 500mm
from the ceiling.
for survival.
14
ON A CATHEDRAL
CEILING OR SLOPING
CEILING
safety
tip
Don’t install smoke
alarms near windows,
doors or air ducts.
The smoke alarm should be
located 500mm to 1500mm
from the highest point.
AVOID DRAFTS
Don’t install smoke alarms
near windows, doors or air
ducts where drafts could affect
alarm sensitivity.
AVOID DEAD AIR SPACES
A dead air space is an area in
which trapped hot air will
prevent smoke from reaching
the alarm. This generally occurs
at the apex of cathedral or
sloping ceilings, the corner
junction of wall and ceilings,
and between exposed floor joists.
If your smoke alarm
does not work
properly the silence
could be deadly!
✔ TEST:
YOUR SMOKE ALARM
MONTHLY.
Using a broom handle,
push the button.
✔ CLEAN:
YOUR SMOKE ALARM AT
LEAST ONCE A YEAR.
Dust smoke alarm with your
vacuum cleaner.
✔ REPLACE:
REPLACE THE BATTERY
EACH YEAR.
Use the battery type listed
on the alarm.
When you change your
clock for daylight saving
time, change your smoke
alarm battery.
How Do I Choose
Between Brands?
It is recommended that the smoke
alarm you buy carry the Australian
Standard Number 3786.
Other Options
Available Include
Where Can I Buy a
Smoke Alarm?
Models which sound alarms in
all connected units.
Department Stores.
Hardware Stores.
Electrical Retailers.
Special models for use in
kitchens and in caravans.
Models incorporating an
emergency light are available.
Models for the hearing impaired.
Hardwired smoke alarms with
battery back up.
Community complaints are
often received from
concerned residents about
Contact your local fire
station for further
information on fire
prevention and safety,
Fire Protection
Companies
Caution is advised in dealing
with telephone canvassers
and door-to-door vendors of
smoke alarms.
or: ring
NSW Fire Brigades,
Fire Safety Division:
(02) 9742 7400.
Assistance for Drug Related
Problems and Drug Misuse in
Public Convenience Facilities
There are a number of options available to reduce the
impact of these problems:
For Collection of Used Syringes:
Contact the Needle Syringe Service Hotline on 1800 633 353.
the misuse and irresponsible
disposal of used syringes and
associated litter in public
areas such as parks, toilets,
parking areas and private
property such as shopping
centres, hotels, residential
complexes (flats, townhouses,
units) etc.
For Illegal Drug Use and Disposal of Syringes Shopping
Centre and Residential Complexes:
Consider installation of blue fluorescent lights in toilets, passageways,
and secluded areas of the complex, which have this problem.
For Advice and Support:
From the Drug Intervention Service (DISC) about discarded syringes
and other drug related issues, on phone number: 9754 6200.
For Drug Related Litter and Paraphernalia in Park Areas:
Contact Council’s Park Coordinator on telephone number 9725 0397
to advise of any problem locations and enable improved servicing,
cleanliness and appearance of our parklands.
safety tips
13.
Further Information
15
14.
Suspicious
Persons Report
T H I S I N F O R M AT I O N C O U L D H E L P S O LV E A C R I M E
Time:
Date:
Type of Incident:
Location of incident:
SUSPECT PERSON:
Height:
Sex:
Accent/speech:
Male
Female
(tick)
Thin
Medium
Muscular
Solid
Fat
Hair colour: (tick)
Fair
Black
Brown
Black
Red
Eye Colour: (tick)
Brown
Blue
Green
Hazel
Complexion: (tick)
Pale
Medium
Olive
Dark
Hair:
Short
Bald
Long
Crew cut
Curly
Straight
Short on sides
(tick)
Build:
safety tips
(tick)
16
Obese (very fat)
Blonde
Facial Hair:
Clothing:
Tattoos:
(tick)
Upper body
Lower body
SUSPECT VEHICLE:
Vehicle Make:
Type of Vehicle:
Car Body Colour:
Sedan
Station Wagon
Panel Van
Coupe
Ute
Truck
Motor Cycle
Other
(circle)
Car Model:
Registration Number:
State:
Estimated year of manufacture:
Outstanding features:
If urgent ring the Police on ‘000’
Explain what you saw – suspicious circumstances,
direction of travel of person or car.
Complete this form and hand to police upon their arrival.
Grey
15.
Tips for when you
call the Police in an
emergency:
Do not assume
someone has already
called the police.
Remain calm.
Follow the instructions of
the police operator.
State the problem.
State the location of
the incident.
000
Emergency Services
For urgent assistance call Emergency Services.
Police Assistance Line
131 444
For non-urgent assistance such as car theft, lost property,
minor car accident etc. call the Police assistance line.
Crime Stoppers
1800 333 000
If you have information that could help solve a crime
please call Crime Stoppers. If you wish you can remain
anonymous.
17
Give a complete
description of the
persons/vehicles involved.
Fairfield Police
9728 0399
Give the direction the
suspect is travelling.
Cabramatta Police
9725 8999
Green Valley Police
9607 1799
Stay on the line until told
to hang up.
safety tips
Give your name, phone
number and address.
I M P O RTA N T
Contact Details: