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Personal safety

While the Redlands is a safe community, it is wise to take reasonable steps to protect yourself and your property.

On this page:

Being aware of crime

To reduce the likelihood of becoming a target of a crime:

  • be aware of your surroundings
  • be confident, as would-be thieves are easily intimidated
  • develop a network of people you trust and can contact in an emergency
  • carry only the amount of money you’re likely to need
  • hold bags close to your body and don't leave them in shopping trolleys
  • keep your bag between your feet, on your lap or in front of you on a table when at a restaurant, café or cinema
  • avoid walking alone at night - use safe transport or walk in a group
  • if you do walk alone, walk against the flow of traffic and keeping to well-lit streets where homes look occupied
  • trust your instincts - if you feel something is wrong, don't ignore it
  • seek help if you feel threatened
  • do additional research and formulate a personal safety plan
  • carry a mobile phone and, where possible, download the 'Emergency +' app.  

Support for victims of crime

If you've been a victim of crime, it is important to acknowledge your feelings and any physical, emotional or behavioural side-effects. It can help to talk with your family, friends or a health professional about your experience.

For free counselling and support contact the Victims of Crime Counselling Service on 1300 546 587. For other support services available in the Redlands search the My Community Directory.

Being safe at licensed venues

To stay safe at licensed venues and in situations where people consume alcohol:

  • know your alcohol limit and remain in control
  • plan ahead - decide how many drinks you will have and how you will get home
  • look after your friends and make sure they get home safely
  • know where building exits and security personnel are located
  • book a taxi rather than hailing one from the rank, as this creates a record of your journey
  • trust your instincts and seek help if you feel threatened
  • ask to be left alone if you receive unwanted attention from a person, and move to another area or advise a friend, an authority or security if they ignore your request.

Avoiding drink spiking

Drink spiking, or adding alcohol or drugs to a person's drink without their knowledge or consent, is illegal. Drinks are often spiked to lower the drinker's inhibitions, which often leads to sexual assault.

To avoid having your drink spiked:

  • never leave your drink unattended - if you do, throw the drink out when you return
  • bring your own drinks to parties
  • watch bartenders who make your drinks in bars or nightclubs
  • if someone offers to buy you a drink, go to the bar with them and only accept it there
  • beware of anyone acting suspiciously and remember that offenders can be articulate, charming and confident
  • pay attention to your friends, particularly if they seem to have become unusually intoxicated very quickly.

Drink spiking and sexual assault are crimes you should report to the police. If you are a victim, but don’t want to make an official report, consider visiting your doctor. You can also visit or call Redlands Hospital on 3488 3111.

For free counselling and support phone the 24-hour Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120.

For educational resources contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Services on 38375989 or 1800 177 833.

Exercising safely

Redlands is a great place to be active and healthy, with many safe places where you can walk, cycle, play sport and enjoy outdoor exercise.

To maximise your safety when exercising: 

  • exercise with others
  • tell others where you are going and when you will return
  • carry a phone with you
  • alternate your routes
  • survey your surroundings and be aware of them
  • be assertive and confident - fear creates vulnerability
  • turn the volume down if wearing headphones - this will increase your ability to stay alert to your surroundings
  • secure your property
  • enjoy yourself.

Being safe when travelling

Public transport

To improve your safety on public transport:

  • let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return
  • check public transport timetables and plan your journey in advance to limit the amount of time you wait
  • always wait for your ride in busy, well-lit areas
  • on railway platforms, wait in the Core Safety Zone, marked by a blue and white striped line - this zone offers enhanced lighting and an emergency phone
  • sit on the bus/train/in the taxi wherever you feel most comfortable
  • if you are travelling alone, try to sit near the bus driver or a train guard.

See these related links:

Car travel

To improve your safety when travel in your car:

  • have your keys out and ready as you approach your car and be aware of your surroundings
  • try to remember to lock your car doors especially if driving alone
  • plan your route and tell someone where you are going
  • have a street directory or GPS and mobile phone with you in case you get lost
  • service your car regularly
  • if you often travel alone or at night, consider joining a breakdown assistance service and carry a mobile phone
  • if you have to leave your car to seek help, leave a note in your vehicle stating what time you’ve left and where you’re heading. Walk towards well-lit areas
  • do not pick up hitch-hikers or strangers
  • if someone approaches you saying they have broken down, stay in your vehicle and speak to them through a slightly open window and offer to phone RACQ or the Police on their behalf
  • park in well lit car parks/areas close to your destination
  • avoid leaving handbags or other valuables in your vehicle.

Holidays and long journeys

To improve your safety while on holidays:

  • never carry large amounts of cash when you travel
  • treat travellers cheques as you would do cash
  • don't leave your luggage unattended in airports, transit lounges or hotels - keep your luggage with baggage porters whenever possible
  • if you're not familiar with your travel destination, do some research and ask your travel agent or hotel staff about local crime and safety issues
  • find out the local number for emergency in foreign countries you visit.

Being safe in the heat

Take care of your health, particularly in the heat. When it is hot, make sure you keep windows and doors open, but secure, while inside.