Student Safety
If you feel unsafe or threatened at any time, have anything stolen or are assaulted, you can contact the police for help and report the incident. Should you prefer, you can ask someone you know and trust to contact the police on your behalf. If you experience language difficulties when speaking with the police, they will provide someone, free of charge, who speaks your language to address your issue. All Victoria Police officers wear a blue uniform (either a jumper or a patrol jacket) and carry a Victoria Police badge. In an emergency you can contact the Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance by dialing 000.
If you require non-urgent advice or information or need to report a non-urgent matter, like lost property, you should attend or call the local Police Station.
Tips for living safe in Melbourne
Melbourne is one of the safest cities in the world in which to live, work and study. As with any big city, it is a good idea to get some local knowledge when you arrive. Research online or talk to local people about areas they would avoid at night.
10 Tips to help you travel safely around Melbourne
- Plan your trip ahead of time. Carry a public transport timetable and know the time of your last train/tram/bus. Call 1800 800 007 (6am －midnight) or go to Public Transport Victoria for information on timetables, routes and ticketing.
- Stand behind the yellow line until your train or tram arrives when waiting for public transport. Stand in well-lit areas. Make yourself aware of the location of security cameras.
- Where possible travel with friends. If you are on your own, consider traveling in the front carriage of the train or tram, near the driver‘s cabin.
- Be aware of the red emergency button located near the exits on the train. If you press this button, the train driver will be able to see you via a security camera and organise police assistance if you need it.
- Be aware of what is going on around you, especially at night and remember that wearing your headphones, using your mobile phone or having too much alcohol can distract you from your surroundings.
- Walk confidently and with purpose. Walk with other people. After dark, stick to well-lit paths where you are visible to passing traffic.
- If you feel at risk or uncomfortable when walking along the street, cross the street or change direction. Enter a shop or business where you can wait until you feel safe.
- In an emergency call 000 for police, fire brigade and ambulance. It is a free call from all public, mobile and land line phones. Program 000 into your mobile just in case!
- In non-emergency situations, when you require advice or information call in on your local police station.
- If you witness or have knowledge about a crime, incident or offence, you can report it anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
