Community safety and crime prevention are increasingly regarded as being the responsibility of the community at large, in addition to the police and the justice system.

Enhanced community safety and more effective crime prevention are best achieved by an integrated approach which involves the local community.

Council works in partnership with key stakeholders to develop strategies to address the issues of safety and crime prevention in our community.

There are two key issues relating to community safety

Concerns relating to community safety in Newcastle include:

• personal safety in the CBD, car parks and in the major inner city parks
• that according to statistical data, Newcastle has a higher incidence of property crime than crimes against a person
• the need for more focused and coordinated strategies dealing with early intervention, crime prevention and perceptions about crime and
• the need to promote equitable access to public space

Council’s Community Safety Officer works with Council’s Safety and Crime Prevention Strategic Advisory Committee – a committee of Councillors, government agencies and community representatives that oversees the development of crime prevention plans. Strategies for community safety are informed by the City of Newcastle Crime Prevention Plan (2001) and Safe Newcastle - Council's Alchohol Management Strategy (2010 - 2013).

 City of Newcastle Crime Prevention Plan (2001) (179Kb)

Recent actions to increase public safety include:

• lighting improvements as part of Council' Walk Smart safer pedestrian routes program
• implementation of recommendations made by community safety audits in areas of concern
• facilitation of the Nightcare van project as part of the Miromulliko Project. This project was funded through the first round of National Binge Drinking Strategy grants distributed by the Federal Government in 2008.

The Community Safety Coordinator works closely with a range of stakeholders in the development of community safety strategies. These include participation in the Newcastle Crime Prevention Partnership, Newcastle and Hamilton Liquor Accords and Newcastle Community Drug Action Team.

Useful community safety and crime prevention contacts and links

To report a crime in progress contact Newcastle Police Station on 4929 0999 or Waratah Police Station on 4926 6599. If the emergency is life threatening, call 000.

If you are the victim of a crime, other than life threatening or time critical emergency situations, you can call the Police Assistance Line (PAL) on 131 444. Crimes that can be reported to the Police Assistance Line include:

• break and enter
• motor vehicle/vessel theft
• stealing
• malicious damage, including graffiti

If you have information about a crime call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

Fire – Phone 000

Domestic Violence Line – Phone 1800 65 64 63

Newcastle Domestic Violence Resource Centre - Phone 4927 8529 or visit www.domesticviolencenewcastle.com.au

Report a street light out contact Ausgrid on 1800 044 808

Links

The NSW Government Department of Attorney General and Justice has a crime prevention website with a range of tips on personal safety and protecting your property.