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Australia 2019 Crime & Safety Report: Melbourne

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Australia 2019 Crime & Safety Report: Melbourne Australia 2019 Crime & Safety Report: Melbourne This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Consulate in Melbourne, Australia. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Australia at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Overall Crime and Safety Situation The U.S. Consulate in Melbourne does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens Services (ACS) unit cannot recommend a particular individual or establishment, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of services provided. Review OSAC’s Australia page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Crime Threats There is minimal risk from crime in Melbourne. Melbourne is generally a safe city, but is not immune from crimes commonly associated with large urban areas. Crime Statistics Agency reporting reflects that for the period of 2017-18, there were 508,597 offences recorded in the state of Victoria, a decrease of 1.6% from the previous year. This equated to approximately 7,861 offences recorded per 100,000 population. There were a total of 299,994 victim reports across the state (one victim may report multiple offences/offenders). Approximately 78% of victims (includes individuals and organizations) had principal offences related to property and or deception (e.g. arson property damage, theft, burglary, break and enter, bribery etc.); 21% were crimes against the person (e.g. assault, robbery, sexual offence, blackmail, stalking, homicide). Non-violent theft was one of the most common crimes reported. Vehicle theft is rare. Property crimes (e.g. burglary, breaking and entering, theft) occur throughout Australia. The frequency of such crime is on par with most major U.S. metropolitan areas. Secure personal belongings appropriately. Do not leave personal items unattended in cafes and restaurants, or in plain view within motor vehicles. In restaurants or cafes, place your bag on your lap. Carry your purse and handbag close to your body. Violent crime in Australia is relatively low, with fewer than 100 reported cases of armed robbery, murder, or sexual assault per 100,000 persons nationally. In Victoria, the majority of crimes against a person were assault offences (39,511, or 610 per 100,000); many of these are alcohol- related incidents. Exercise the same level of caution and security awareness as you would in any major city in the United States. In Victoria, there were 180 criminal homicide incidents, which include attempted murder, accessory or conspiracy to murder, manslaughter, and death caused by driving. China 2017 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Wuhan Armed robberies occasionally occur in Australia, are more prominent in cities, and are most frequently committed with knives. Criminals sometimes use firearms in the commission of crimes, but Australia has extremely restrictive firearms legislation compared to U.S. laws. Local police attribute a majority of burglaries and robberies to increased heroin and methamphetamine (ICE) use. During the past 24 months, there have been two significant incidents involving individuals using a motor vehicle as a weapon within the Melbourne Central Business District (CBD). Travelers should monitor the SCAM Watch website maintained by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for the latest information on how to recognize, avoid, and report scams. Cybersecurity Issues Cyber criminals continue to gain access to networks primarily through targeted emails and spear phishing campaigns; this is the greatest threat to cyber security in the region. The chief motivation for cyber-attacks was financial gain. This aligns with the cyber threat of most concern to the private sector, which is theft or breach of confidential information or intellectual property (IP). There were 34,727 (property) deception offences recorded during the reporting period, a slight decrease on the previous year in Victoria. The majority of deception offences occur in retail/financial locations. The Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) provides information on how to recognize and avoid common forms of cybercrime, including advice for victims. Other Areas of Concern Outlaw motorcycle gangs in Australia include international clubs like the Bandidos, Hells Angels, and Gypsyjokers, as well as local groups such as the Rebels. In general, these groups participate in drug trafficking and other organized criminal activities like the sex trade. Gang violence receives wide media coverage in Victoria. The state government has taken steps to change laws to focus on the problem. Youth street gangs including APEX and MTS (Menace to Society) have been responsible for a number of high profile displays of violent and criminal offenses. These groups are composed predominately of members of the African community; many refer to them as “African Youth Gangs.” The Victoria Police are engaging with leaders of the local African community as a part of an African-Australian Community Task Force in an attempt to assess emerging trends and prevent the continuance of youth gang crimes. Recent media reporting has highlighted the overrepresentation of young persons of South Sudanese decent in aggravated burglary, serious assault, and motor vehicle theft. 2 China 2017 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Wuhan Transportation-Safety Situation For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. Road Safety and Road Conditions Basic safety on Australian roads is excellent. Authorities strictly enforce speed limits via an extensive system of cameras and officers. Holiday weekends typically bring a rise in roadside fatalities, as many Australians drive long distances to popular beach destinations. Drunk driving enforcement checkpoints operate randomly. For persons driving with a full license, the legal blood alcohol limit in Victoria is 0.05%, whereas those with a restricted license (learner or provisional) may not drive under any influence of alcohol. In the event of a motor vehicle accident in Victoria, the driver should, stop and give assistance to injured persons. Each party must provide their name, address, registration (license plate) number, and vehicle owner's name/address to the other party involved in the crash. This includes the owner of the property damaged or injured person (or a person representing them). If there are injuries, mitigating factors (e.g. persons under the influence or substantial property damage), and police are not in attendance, report the crash in person to the nearest open police station. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices. Public Transportation Conditions Taxis are safe, but can be difficult to hail during high-demand periods. Public transportation is generally safe and popular. Melbourne’s public transport system includes trains, trams, buses, and taxis. In Victoria, there were 5,733 incidents recorded at public transport locations during 2017-2018. All Melbourne train stations maintain a police presence from 1800 until the last train. Aviation/Airport Conditions Australian international and domestic airports meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. The Australian Federal Police oversee security at all international airports. Australian international and domestic airports meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards. Melbourne has two large commercial airports: Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport (MEL) is Australia’s second busiest airport; Avalon Airport (AVV) located approximately 50 kilometers to the southwest of Melbourne, in Greater Geelong. 3 China 2017 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Wuhan Terrorism Threat Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns There is moderate risk from terrorism in Melbourne. There have been seven terrorist attacks and 15 disrupted plots in Australia since September 2014. Melbourne continues to be one of the top Australian targets. The potential return of dozens of Australian foreign fighters continues to pose a long-term risk, while homegrown extremists with basic, readily available weapons may be the greatest near-term threat. Active shooter incidents and vehicle attacks at mass gatherings continue to be of high concern to law enforcement. The majority of recent terrorism-related incidents have involved young, homegrown Australian extremists influenced and inspired online. In response to potential threats, Australian authorities have updated the National Terrorism Threat Advisory system to inform Australians about the likelihood of a terrorist attack, and to enable authorities, businesses, and individuals to take appropriate safety and security measures. The new system includes five tiers, ranging from “Not Expected” to “Certain.” The current terrorism threat advisory level is “Probable,” signifying that while there is no information regarding a specific, credible plot, individuals or groups have developed both the intent and capability to conduct a terrorist attack in Australia. In February 2018 a female international student allegedly conducted a terrorist attack using a knife to stab her homestay landlord while he was asleep; this matter remains before the courts and the attacker has pled guilty.
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