Community Safety

The issue of theft from motor vehicles, particularly the theft of number plates, is a significant concern for both the Burwood Police Area Command and the community at large.

What can you do to minimise your risk?

• Always ensure your vehicle is securely locked when parked
• Remove all valuables from view including but not limited to: phone chargers, mobile phone holders, coins, sunglasses, personal documents, and garage door remote control
• Be vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or vehicles in your area to the local police
• Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running, even for a few seconds. Turn off the ignition and take the keys with you
• Consider replacing your standard number plate screws with anti-theft screws. These specialised screws not only deter the theft of number plates but also help in reducing associated crimes such as fuel theft, break-ins, traffic violations, and even armed robberies
  
  

Burwood Council is pleased to offer residents the opportunity to obtain FREE one-way anti-theft screws. The screws are available at Burwood Police Station.

By implementing these simple yet effective measures, we can work together to safeguard our community against vehicle-related crimes. 

 Local councils have a critical role in crime prevention. They acquire considerable understanding of local crime and safety issues, through ongoing engagement with the public and key stakeholders. This knowledge and the relationship with service providers allow Councils to actively work on strategies to improve community safety.

Burwood Council is committed to ensuring our City is a safe community and has taken an active role in community safety and crime prevention developing projects, initiatives and education resources that will help with local crime issues and foster safer communities for those living, working and visiting the area.

 Personal Safety Audit Practical Checklist

• Do you walk in well-lit areas with other people when travelling home at night?
• When travelling alone, do you have a mobile phone on you with emergency numbers in it?
• Do you let someone know what time you will be home, before leaving the house?
• Do you carry your bag infront of you, close to your body and locked securely?
• Are you careful not to carry lots of valuables on you that can be easily taken?
• At night, are you careful not to walk around wearing headphones, or talking on your phone?

If you have answered 'NO' to any of the above questions, it may be time to review your security!

Look Out Look Up!

Your Home Safety Audit Practical Checklist

• Is your house number clearly visible from the street?
• Is your front entry clearly visible from the street?
• Are your doors and windows fitted with quality deadlocks?
• Does your front door have a peephole (viewer)?
• Do your outdoor lights have motion sensors or are they fitted with a timer?
• Are lights left on when you go out at night?
• Is there adequate lighting at your main entry/exits?
• Is there a telephone extension in the main bedroom?
• Are emergency numbers programmed into your telephone's speed dial?
• Do you have an Alarm? If so, is it always used and serviced regularly?
• Is your garage, shed and side access gates securely locked?

If you have answered 'NO' to any of the above questions, it may be time to review your security!

The NSW Police Force supports the needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people who have a hearing or speech impairment, as well as their rights to communicate and be heard.

If you are a victim of a crime, a witness to a crime or know about a crime, there are different ways you can report a crime to the NSW Police Force using the services of an interpreter. The police can arrange an interpreter for a language other than English or AUSLAN, at any time of the day or night. Even if you speak some English but feel more comfortable in speaking your own language, police can arrange an independent professional interpreter free of charge to you. Independent professional interpreters work under confidentiality provisions and the Interpreter Code of Ethics. You can be assured that any information given to an interpreter will remain confidential, unless you are at risk of significant harm.

Our local Police can also use bilingual staff or a telephone interpreter service or arrange an interpreter to attend an interview. It is important that you tell the police officer what language you feel most confident speaking, in order to arrange the right interpreter for you. If you speak a rare dialect or language or speak an additional language, please inform the police. This may assist in their search of an alternative interpreter. You may also inform the police officer about any special preferences such as using a female interpreter. While this may not always be possible the police will try to organise one to the best of the ability.

Whether you ride for work, sport or leisure, the loss of your bicycle can be very inconvenient and expensive. By following some simple tips, you can better protect your bicycle from being damaged or stolen.

• Always engrave or mark your bicycles frame with a UV pen, micro-dot or other permanent means (near the serial number) with your driver's licence number or unique identifier
• Always record the serial number, brand and model of your bicycle and accessories including a photograph
• Never leave your bicycle unattended and unsecured
• Always lock the wheels and frame to a secure object
• Always park your bicycle in a well-lit and populated area
• Always secure you bicycle in a locked shed or inside your house when at home
• Visit Crime Stoppers to find out how you can register your bike details on BikeVault to help reduce theft and increase the chances of stolen bikes being recovered.
• Always use a good quality bike lock when parking your bicycle away from home.  

Bike rack locations:

• Croydon Station  
• Dean Street  
• George Street Carpark
• Burwood Park 

Please look at the diagrams below to locate your bicycle’s serial number and how to secure your bike correctly.

Locating your bikes Serial Number:

The majority of serial numbers are located under the bottom bracket where the two pedal cranks meet. Simply turn your bike upside down and record the number. If there is no serial number there then check places like the headset at the front of the bike or the rear stays. The diagram below indicates the five most common serial number locations. If you just can’t find anything, then we suggest you engrave your driver’s license number into the frame.  The best chance at recovering a stolen bicycle is recording your serial number.

Methods to secure your Bicycle:

1. Lock the bike frame and wheels together.
2. Securing the quick release front wheel alongside the frame and rear wheel.

Methods to secure your Bicycle:

1. Lock the bike frame and wheels together.

2. Securing the quick release front wheel alongside the frame and rear wheel.                       

Crime Stoppers and BikeVault

Crime Stoppers has partnered with BikeVault and Bicycle NSW to help reduce theft and increase the chances of stolen bikes being recovered.

BikeVault –is a free community service where bike owners can store their bike’s details. So, in case it’s stolen and recovered, the bike can be tracked and returned to the owner.

Visit Crime Stoppers to find out how you can register your bike details on BikeVault. 

Scams target people of all backgrounds, ages and income levels.

Every year, scams cost Australians, businesses and the economy hundreds of millions of dollars and cause emotional harm to victims and their families.

Have you received an offer that seems too good to be true, perhaps a phone call to help fix your computer or a threat to pay money you do not owe, an alert from your bank or telecommunications provider about a problem with your account or even an invitation to ‘befriend’ or connect online? Scammers know how to press your buttons to get what they want.

They are getting smarter, moving with the times to take advantage of new technology, new products or services and major events to create believable stories that will convince you to part with your money or personal details.

One of the best ways to stop this type of fraud is to stay one step ahead of scammers by protecting yourself through awareness and education.

To help you stay one step ahead of scammers, Burwood Council has developed the  SPOT A SCAM STOP A SCAM(PDF, 9MB)  brochure to help create awareness on this issue and to encourage you to visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the national consumer protection agency.

Many of us are now working or studying from home, being aware of the potential dangers of being online is more important than ever.

The following practical tips will help you stay safe online

• Stay Smart Online provides simple, easy to understand advice on how to protect you online, as well as up-to-date information on the latest online threats and how to respond.
• If you’re a parent check out the E-Safety resource for parents and carers 
• The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has published advice on how small businesses can better protect themselves from cyber-attacks. 

You can also find a list of important services that can offer extra support. The guide can be downloaded in a variety of languages including Chinese, Greek, Italian and Spanish

Remember to always “Think before you post, chat, upload or download”– eSafety

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Accidents and emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time, occurring with little warning and with the capacity to have a significant impact on households and people's lives.

Being prepared wiII help you to better deal with an emergency and minimise the impact on yourself and on your household. This plan works best when all members of the household complete the Household Safety Booklet(PDF, 4MB) together. Keep the Household Safety Booklet on  hand to use In the event of any emergency.

Emergency Procedures

• Where are your household emergency exits? The occupant of every bedroom should know a planned escape route plus a back-up route if that is blocked.
• Whose role is it to assist vulnerable household members who would need assistance?
• Where is your nearby emergency assembly point?
• Which is the strongest room in your house should you need to shelter?
• How do you turn off your household electricity supply?
• How do you shut down your household solar electricity system?
• Where is your main gas tap?
• Where is your main water tap?

In the event of an emergency evacuation take:

• House & Car Keys
• Any Cash & Credit Cards
• Critical Identity Documents
• Important Financial
• Documents Any Pets

Download the free Get Prepared app to prepare for an emergency

Do one simple thing to prepare for an emergency. Download Get Prepared*, co-created by Australian Red Cross and general insurer IAG, to keep your emergency plan close to hand.

Burwood Council encourages you to prepare and stay safe in a disaster or a time of crisis by downloading and completing an emergency plan on the Get Prepared app.

The app helps you connect with your key support people, accomplish simple tasks to make you and your loved ones safer, and protect the things that matter most to you.

Get Prepared app is a free and easy to use, one-stop tool to help you prepare for any type of emergency. You can:

• establish a quick and easy network of support with your three key contacts
• review the risks relevant to where you live
• create checklists of actions to make an emergency plan
• save the emergency plan as a PDF to be printed and shared with others.

Burwood Council is supporting our residents to become more resilient to disasters. As a participating Council in the Resilient Sydney program, we are collaborating with the Councils of Sydney to create a metropolis that is connected, inclusive and resilient.

 Burwood Council works with local business owners to assist in creating a safe work environment through the promotion of crime prevention. When a safe work environment is promoted anecdotal evidence suggests that worker productivity is higher, production is better and insurance premiums are lower. By adhering to the following general business safety tips, you can take the first important steps in business crime prevention:

Preventing Robbery

How your business handles cash is vital in promoting a safe work environment for staff and customers:

• Clear excess cash frequently and randomly from cash registers, change your cash handling procedures frequently e.g. times
• Don’t count cash in public view, always do securely behind closed doors
• Leave your cash register open and empty after closing, this shows people there is no money on premises after closing
• The customer service area should be visible from the street, promoting natural surveillance
• When depositing money at the bank, don’t carry money in a marked bag

Alarms and locks are important in securing the building and creating safe spaces

• Fit electronic sensors that emit a sound when someone leaves or enters the premises
• Use high quality deadlocks, safes and alarm systems
• Place panic alarms near the cash register and store room where they can be activated safely

Windows and doors are important entry and exit points which need to be made secure by:

• Lighting the inside and outside of the premises, especially around windows and doors to highlight use
• Window displays and store fittings in businesses should not obstruct the inside of the store from outside view
• Make sure staff only areas are clearly marked “STAFF ONLY” with doors that are locked and can be only accessed by staff e.g. pin pad

Store design and lighting should be considered when designing your store to maximise crime prevention by:

Limiting the height of shelves or displays, in order to create clear lines of sight for staff to view the premises at all times

• Evaluate the layout of your store, making sure that all blind spots are removed
• Identify possible hiding spots and install movement detectors and lighting, ensuring that movement is highlighted

Community Safety Audits endeavour to address anti-social and criminal behaviour in the community.

Council regularly conducts Community Safety Audits in the Burwood LGA, the audits provide an opportunity for Council Officers, the Police Area Command and community to regularly assess a site in question for potential safety hazards and areas likely to stimulate fear and criminal opportunity. The audit will generally recommend ways to improve the built environment to prevent future crime, a process referred to as Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) to improve public safety and amenity.

Recommendations may include trimming trees so that streets are better lit at night, installing signage to prevent loitering or illegal parking, installing additional lighting to improve the ambience and sense of security, or arranging for additional Police patrols at the location.

Remember, in an emergency or if you or anyone you know is in immediate danger, call 000.

For more information, or to report a concern about safety or crime in our community, contact Council's Customer Service Centre on 9911 9911.

Council regularly conducts Safety Workshops for various community groups in a variety of community languages.

Contact Council's Youth and Community Safety Officer on 9911 9911 for more information.

About the Burwood LGA

Crime statistics reveal that certain areas within the Burwood LGA experience higher rates of crime than others with the majority of reported offences occurring in outdoor/public spaces.

Burwood CCTV system as part of the City Safe Program has been installed in identified crime hotspot areas to help assist NSW Police in detecting, preventing and prosecuting those who commit serious offences.

Camera Locations

Information obtained from extensive consultation with Burwood Police has indicted that peak times for robberies to occur are late at night or in the early hours of the morning, with crime ‘hotspot’ areas identified as Burwood Park and surrounding areas, Burwood Station and Burwood Road. Using these crime 'hotspots' as a guide, Burwood Council has worked closely with Police to determine appropriate locations for the cameras.

Cameras are only placed in locations where public domain areas can be viewed.

Privacy and Protection

City Safe Program views privacy and protection of residents, businesses and visitors to Burwood very seriously and ensures that cameras are only operated under a stringent set of guidelines, policies and procedures. Please see Burwood Council Policies section for more details.

Only authorised officers are allowed to view recorded material and are bounded by a strict code of practice/conduct. Operating procedures are audited bi-annually in order to maintain high security control measures.

As a result of the City Safe Program City Safe Officers have regular communications with the Burwood Police Area Command to work collaboratively in achieving effective crime prevention initiatives.

Council is committed to working with the community to continue to drive down crime and achieve a safer Local Government Area for residents.

The CCTV Register is an initiative of the NSW Police Force. The database has been established to record the location of closed circuit television (CCTV) camera systems, and other related information, across the state.

CCTV footage has become an important investigative tool for police. It is regularly used to investigate and solve crimes. The problem to date has been knowing where these cameras are located. The objective of the NSW Force is to establish an accurate and comprehensive register that identifies the location of as many CCTV systems across that state.

This CCTV Register will assist NSW Police in gathering evidence when a crime is committed in your area. Police will use the Register information to contact your business and request footage that may be vital to solving crime.

You can register by going on Online via the NSW Police Force website

Having access to accurate information is critical to any police investigation and with your help we can reduce crime and have a safer community.

Burwood Council Enforcement Officers wear body cameras in their day to day duties. These cameras are worn in order to ensure an accurate representation of any incidents as well as for the protection of staff.

This means that you may be recorded if you interact with these staff. Recordings are used for incident verification purposes as well as for staff professional development.

Responding to requests from residents and Police, Burwood Council has established Alcohol Prohibited Areas (APA) in Burwood Park, Woodstock Park, Russell Street Reserve, Reed Reserve and Martin Reserve.

Council has looked at options available for dealing with behavioural changes associated with the excessive consumption of alcohol; these changes can lead to vandalism and violence.

Alcohol Prohibited Areas aim to reduce alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour in identified locations in order to help create a safer environment for the Burwood community.

It is an offence to drink alcohol in any park or reserve where an Alcohol Prohibited Area exists within the designated time frame of 6pm- 8am, seven days a week.

Alcohol Prohibited Areas only apply to parks and reserves where indicated by signage. Alcohol Prohibited Areas do not apply to streets or footpaths.

Alcohol Prohibited Areas are enforceable by NSW Police. Contact Burwood police station to report any breaches on 02 9745 8499

Prohibition of Alcohol in Public Spaces 

What is the Accord?

An accord is a written agreement between individuals and organisations to support each other of work together on an issue of shared concern.

The Accord is a voluntary and pro-active that works with legislation relating to responsible service of alcohol created to support licensed premises without the need to resort to regulation and enforcement in creating a safer community.

The Burwood/Canada Bay Liquor Accord is an agreement between local licensees, Police, Council, Department of Health, NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing and other community stakeholders to help prevent and reduce alcohol related harm within Burwood and Canada Bay communities.

Why does Council support the Liquor Accord?

Burwood LGA is home to approximately 40,000 people. With a combination of retail and commercial premises, and mass numbers of commuters passing through the Burwood CBD daily, Burwood is a major transport hub.

Burwood Council has a commitment to working in conjunction with local partners to prevent crime and foster a safer within the community. Burwood Council has an ongoing commitment, together with neighbouring Council Canada Bay, to reduce alcohol related harm and anti-social behaviour.

The Accord is an effective tool in strengthening partnerships between licensees, Police, Department of Health, NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing & local and state government to enhance perceptions of community safety and aid licensing enforcement.

Are you worried someone in your community is a victim of Domestic Violence?

As a community we all have a responsibility to look out for each other and come together to help those in need. 

NSW Police have launched an application which aims to help victims of domestic violence to discreetly document abuse and access support services.

The app is a one-stop shop for victims, allowing them to create a log of ongoing abuse particularly coercive control that can be used as evidence in court.

Empower You is an important tool for victims and their trusted friends. It's also on all police-issued mobile devices and has multi-language capabilities. 

You can download the app, available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

If you know anyone who is a victim of domestic violence call the NSW Domestic Violence Line and take the step that might save someone’s life.

Community Awareness Campaign(PDF, 156KB)

Important NSW numbers for help

• NSW Domestic Violence Line 24/7 free, confidential support -1800 65 64 63
• Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services - 1800WDVCAS or 1800 938 227
• Aboriginal DFV Hotline 24/7 - 1800 019 123
• NSW Rape Crisis - 1800 424 017
• TIS - need an interpreter? - 131 450
  
  

 Important national numbers for help

• Emergency 24/7 - 000
• 1800 RESPECT 24/7 - 1800 737 732
• Kids Help Line 24/7 - 1800 551 800
• Sexual Assault Counselling Aust - 1800 211 028
• Men's Line - 1300 789 978
• Men's Referral Service 24/7 - 1300 766 491
• TIS - need an interpreter? - 131 450
  
  

Important online help for your safety

• 1800RESPECT chat online (24/7) 
• Kids Help Line webchat counselling (24/7)
• MensLine online counselling 
• Men's Referral Service live chat

Women and sexual violence law is in your Find Legal Answers Tool Kit collection, and online at:

https://www.wlsnsw.org.au/resources/women-and-sexual-violence-law/

Just a piece of paper? Making your AVO work for you is in your Find Legal Answers Tool Kit collection and online at:

https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/just_piece_paper.pdf

The Domestic Violence Legal Service is a specialist legal service for women experiencing domestic and family violence in NSW. It provides free confidential legal information, advice and referrals for women in NSW with a focus on domestic violence and Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.

They can be contacted on (02) 8745 6999 or 1800 810 784 (rural areas) at these times:

Mondays:           1:30pm–4:30pm

Tuesdays:           9:30am–12:30pm

Thursdays:         1:30pm–4:30pm

Fridays:               9:30am-12:30pm

https://www.wlsnsw.org.au/legal-services/domestic-violence-legal-service

WILLOW is a website from Women’s Legal Service NSW providing easy online access to simplified legal information for women escaping violence or in crisis, women with low literacy and women with limited digital capability. This site loads quickly and easily on mobile phones and other portable devices, even with poor 3G connections in regional or rural areas.

https://www.willow.org.au/ 

The NSW Government page Domestic, family and sexual violence has information about how to get help and support, emergency housing, understanding domestic and sexual violence, sexual consent and the law, legal help, and how to stay safe.

 https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/children-and-families/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence.html

The NSW Domestic Violence Line provides counselling and referrals to women experiencing domestic and family violence. Caseworkers on the Domestic Violence Line can help women:

• get hospital care, counselling and family support services
• understand what an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is and how to get one
• develop a safety plan for women and their children
• find emergency accommodation for women and their children
• help with transport for women and their children
• talk to the police, courts and lawyers.

https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/children-and-families/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence/domestic--family-and-sexual-violence-support-contacts/nsw-domestic-violence-line.html

With an increase in online shopping and deliveries. It is important to take proactive measures to deter theft and protect your belongings.

Here are five strategies to help you stop thieves and keep deliveries safe Preventing Parcel Theft Fact Sheet(PDF, 540KB).

Welcome to Safer Living - Your Guide to Home Security

In our commitment to creating a safer community, the guide we have created is your first step towards enhancing the security of your home and protecting your valuables.

We provide practical advise and easy - to follow step designed to deter potential thieves and secure your personal belongings.

Together we can create a more secure environment for every resident.

Keep Your Home Safe (English)

Keep Your Home Safe (Chinese)