Safety tips and special events for Community Safety Month

October is Community Safety Month - a time to come together, share practical safety tips and support one another in our community.

This year, we’re hosting community events and activities to help you feel informed about personal safety and crime prevention, and ways for children and adults of all ages to feel more connected and supported in your neighbourhood.

It’s a great chance to meet local emergency service workers and connect with community safety groups near you. From the popular Emergency Services Family Fun Day to scam awareness sessions and more, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

What you can do

Protect yourself from scams 

According to ScamWatch, one in 3 victims of a scam have been scammed more than once. Make sure you’re familiar with the practical things you can do to stay alert and protected:

• Protect your identity – scammers can use it to steal your money. Set up multi-factor authentication on your accounts and don’t use the same password for everything.
• Communicate with businesses and banks through their apps.
• Don’t click on links in uninvited text messages or emails.
• Check your credit report every 6 to 12 months to help spot fraud, such as loans taken out in your name.

If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank or financial institution straight away – they’re the only ones who can protect your account. For more tips and support, go to the IDCARE website or call 1800 595 160. 

You can also learn more tips and advice in our recent locals losing money to scams article. 

Stay vigilant and connected 

Burglars are opportunists who can seek out easy targets. One of the best things you can do at home is always lock your doors, windows and vehicles, whether you’re home or not.

Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group is a great way to meet your neighbours, get advice about local issues and feel safer as part of a strong, cohesive neighbourhood. Visit Neighbourhood Watch Victoria or email [email protected].

Victoria Police Eyewatch Facebook pages also help connect the community to local police. Connect with Boroondara’s Eyewatch page.

Reach out for support

A safe community is one where people live free of violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, help is available. Contact Safe Steps (call 1800 015 188) or The Orange Door (call 1800 354 322) for free and confidential support.

Report crime concerns 

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000). 

For non-urgent police assistance, or to report a crime that has already occurred, call 131 444 or go to the Victoria Police website.

Get involved 

Come to one of our scam awareness sessions in October or take the kids to the Emergency Services Family Fun Day or a safety-themed storytime event at the library. 

We work closely with Victoria Police, Boroondara Neighbourhood Watch and other agencies to deliver community safety initiatives year-round.

Find out more about community safety and crime prevention.