Personal safety

The Northern Territory (NT) is a place where most people feel safe - but the unexpected can happen.

A few simple precautions can improve your personal safety and make life in the NT more secure.

Out at night

Walking home alone after dark, even a short distance, makes you vulnerable.

Avoid it any way you can. Walk with friends, take a taxi, call a minibus or arrange a lift.

Don’t put yourself at risk. Remember, alcohol makes you more confident but less competent.

On the street

When out on the street you should:

• stay alert, walk confidently, and know where you are heading
• go to a well-lit area if you feel unsafe
• make sure friends know where you are going and when you plan to return
• walk on the side of the street facing oncoming traffic
• carry a personal safety alarm or mobile phone
• keep the volume of your headphones at a level that you can still hear what is happening around you
• avoid overgrown areas, blind corners, and places where someone could hide
• be wary of anyone, particularly in a car, who asks for directions or tries to engage you in conversation
• not carry cash or valuables, if possible
• carry any bag on the side furthest from the road and don’t let the bag or straps hang loosely
• keep valuable items such as you mobile phone out of sight.

If you are harassed take a note of:

• the person’s appearance and clothes
• what their vehicle looks like, if any
• their vehicle's number plate, if possible.

You should report the matter to police as soon as you can.

On the bus

When on the bus you should:

• know the timetables so you don’t have to wait long
• at night, choose well-lit stops near other people, if possible
• carry a mobile phone, spare change or a phone card for emergencies
• sit near the bus driver if there are only one or two other passengers
• alert the driver or contact police if the behaviour of others is offensive or illegal
• complain loudly to draw attention to yourself if you are harassed or threatened
• arrange to be picked up after dark if there is distance between the stop and home
• keep any personal belongings secure.

On the road

When on the road you should:

• service your vehicle regularly and check your fuel gauge before travelling
• keep a torch, pen and paper in your car
• have your car keys ready when approaching your vehicle
• check for people loitering when entering or leaving your vehicle
• keep windows up and doors locked
• don’t stop to help others who wave you down if you’re alone and there is no traffic
• never pick up hitchhikers
• ignore others driving aggressively
• not leave valuables inside the car where they can be seen
• not leave your vehicle if you have an accident and if others involved are aggressive - exchange details through a partly opened window with your doors locked
• put your hazard lights on, raise the bonnet and stay in your car if it breaks down - don’t accept a lift from passers-by and stay with your vehicle until help arrives
• consider joining the Automobile Association of the Northern Territory (AANT) for roadside assistance.

At the shops

When out shopping you should:

• keep cash and valuables concealed
• not leave your purse, wallet, bags or valuables in the shopping trolley
• be alert to people loitering nearby
• keep an eye on your bag while loading shopping into your car
• keep your bag close to you - don't wrap the straps around your wrist
• draw attention to yourself by protesting loudly if your bag is grabbed - note the appearance of the offender and contact police.

At the ATM

When using an ATM you should:

• not let people see you enter your PIN
• avoid using ATMs in isolated or dark locations
• count your cash out of sight of others
• memorise your PIN
• hit 'cancel', withdraw your card and walk away if you feel unsafe or that you’re being watched.