Safety advice for disabled people and their carers

Persons with a disability and their carers in the Australian Capital Territory come into contact with ACT Policing for a number of reasons, the main reasons being as victims of crimes. These crimes are usually crimes of opportunity, such as handbag thefts and other property related offences, as well as violent crimes of opportunity.

To reduce these opportunistic crimes there are a number of safety tips for you to consider:

  • Do not let a person you do not know into your home. Talk with them through the security screen door or open the door with the security chain still engaged.
  • If you are expecting a service repairman or similar, check the person's identification. Call their head office to verify details. Utilise the number out of the phone book, NOT the phone number they provide you.
  • Check the identification or credentials of charity workers.
  • If you are in the backyard or a rear room, keep the front door locked.
  • Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street in case police or other services need to attend.
  • Do not leave keys for your house in common hiding places. Leave a spare set with a trusted neighbour, friend or relative.

If you are going out for the day then consider:

  • Only take what you need such as identification and money for transport.
  • If you carry a handbag or carrybag, then carry it in front of you, not over your shoulder or neck.
  • Let a trusted friend or relative know where you are going.

If confronted by a person on the street who is suspicious or who has entered your residence then:

  • Comply with them if they ask for your wallet or handbag. Property can be replaced.
  • If you think a neighbour or passerby will hear then shout or yell.
  • Consider carrying a personal alarm. They make a loud pitched noise and will attract attention.
  • Take note of their appearance, clothing, features, vehicle, registration, direction of travel and anything you consider may assist police, although do not put yourself in danger to get this information.
  • Know the police contact numbers and keep them in a handy place such as near the phone or on the fridge. Consider entering these numbers into your speed dial settings on your phone.

For police attendance

In an emergency (if you are involved in or witnessing a life threatening situation) for police, fire or ambulance call triple zero (000).

For police assistance (after a theft or burglary) call 131 444.

To report a crime or suspicious incident anonymously call 1800 333 000.

Support Services

  • Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services - The role and responsibility of Disability ACT is to plan, develop strategic policy, allocate funding and provide and monitor services for people with disability in the ACT and the families that care for them.
  • Citizens Advice Bureau - helps people to remove physical and sensory barriers to access in the ACT through a comprehensive referral service.
  • Canberra Blind Society - Information, advice, support groups, social rehabilitation, aids and equipment, and a variety of activities and services.
  • Community Connections - supports and services people with disabilities in Canberra.
  • Disability Co-Ordination Office - Information to assist people with a disability move from school into training and higher education, and then into their chosen career.
  • Hartley Lifecare - A non-profit organisation that supports young people living with a disability.
  • Home Help ACT - A not-for-profit organisation that provides in-home support to the elderly, frail aged, people with disabilities and their carers in the ACT under the Home and Community Care program.
  • Guide Dogs NSW/ACT - exists to enhance the quality of life of people who are blind or vision impaired, by assisting in their achievement of independence through access and mobility.
  • Koomarri - Employment, housing and community access for people with a disability.
  • Physical Disability Council of Australia (PDCA) - PDCA is run entirely by people with physical disabilities, for people with physical disabilities. PDCA operates under an inclusion policy and offers membership and/or services to any person with a disability who seeks its support.