Australia 2019 Crime & Safety Report: Canberra
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Australia 2019 Crime & Safety Report: Canberra This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, 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. Embassy in Canberra 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 Canberra. Property crimes, such as burglary, breaking and entering, and theft, occur throughout Australia and are among the crimes most likely to be encountered by Australians and foreigners alike. Physical assaults are relatively uncommon, but occur with greater frequency in specific locales, predominantly outside of the city center. Crime in the central business district includes illegal recreational drug use and associated behavior, particularly after midnight. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2017-18 National Crime Victimization Survey, the personal and household crime most frequently experienced by Australians was face-to-face threatened assault (2.6%), followed by physical assault (2.4%), non-face-to-face threatened assault (0.8%), and robbery (0.3%); the latter two categories are down from 2016-2017. Bureau of Statistics reporting from June 2018 indicates a nationwide increase in reported sexual assaults, though burglaries and murders are trending lower. According to the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) experienced approximately 32,000 criminal offenses in 2018. This marks a decline from the approximately 35,000 offenses recorded in 2017. (Note: the population of the ACT is approximately 415,000.) Offenses in 2018 included 2,776 assaults, 291 robberies, and 2,312 burglaries. Overall, 2018 witnessed a very slight increase in crimes against persons. Canberra recorded six homicides in 2018; seven homicides occurred in 2017. The rate of vehicle thefts remained nearly unchanged from 2017. Most vehicles stolen in the ACT are not taken for financial advantage. With introduction of alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers, most stolen vehicles follow a home burglary (thanks to stolen keys). China 2017 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Wuhan Australia has extremely restrictive firearms legislation. The purchase, licensing, and storage of firearms is very limited compared to U.S. standards. Firearms use in crimes is rare, though organized criminal elements (including so-called “Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs” and drug trafficking groups) sometimes use guns. Skimming of debit/credit cards does occur at points of sale and in taxis, though the rate of incidence is relatively low. Cover ATM keypads when entering your PIN. For more information, review OSAC’s Report, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud. 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 The theft or breach of confidential information and intellectual property remains the business community’s greatest cybersecurity concern. Cyber criminals gain access to networks primarily through spear phishing, which continues to be the most commonly reported cybersecurity incident. Free Wi-Fi hot spots and Internet cafes are commonly available. However, most networks are not secure and may be vulnerable to cyberattack. Avoid conducting sensitive or financial transactions on unsecured networks. Transportation-Safety Situation For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. Road Safety and Road Conditions Authorities strictly enforce speed limits via cameras and police traffic patrols. Holiday weekends typically see a rise in roadside fatalities, as many Australians drive long distances to popular beach destinations. Police frequently conduct roadside alcohol and illegal drug tests; these are not optional, according to Australian law. A driver is in violation of the law if driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .05% or greater. This level is lower than that of many U.S. states. Consume no alcohol before driving. In the event of a motor vehicle accident, stop and give assistance to injured persons. Each party must provide their name, address, and registration details to the other parties involved. This includes the owner of property damaged or injured person (or a person representing them). Report all motor vehicle accidents in the ACT to police within 24 hours; this can be done in person at a police station, by phone at 131444 (Police Attendance Line), or online. Persons injured in a motor vehicle accident in some states of Australia may have coverage through compulsory third- party insurance as part of the standard motor vehicle registration. This insurance only covers compensation for injuries, and does not include damage to property or medical costs. In the event of an accident involving an unlicensed vehicle, the driver and owner may be financially liable for damages paid to the injured person. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices. 2 China 2017 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Wuhan Public Transportation Conditions Buses, taxis, and car services are generally efficient and safe. Be mindful that many taxi services video record passengers during the trip. Aviation/Airport Conditions Australian international and domestic airports meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. All international airports are policed by the Australian Federal Police. Canberra Airport (CBR) is a major commercial airport shared with the Royal Australian Air Force. Terrorism Threat Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns There is moderate risk from terrorism in Canberra. There have been seven terrorist attacks and at least 15 disrupted plots in Australia since 2014. ISIS leadership has repeatedly identified Australia as a desirable target. 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 against 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 January 2019, several diplomatic missions in Australia received suspicious packages; some included threatening letters and material purported to be hazardous. Among the missions receiving these packages was the U.S. Consulate in Melbourne. Australian authorities promptly and effectively responded to this event, and soon thereafter arrested a man believed to be responsible. None of the items sent were hazardous to the health of the public. 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. Individuals who see suspicious or unusual activity should contact Australia’s National Security Hotline at 1800 1234 00. Report life-threatening situations to the police at 000. Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment Incidents of political violence directed against the U.S. are relatively infrequent. In 2016, U.S. Consulates in Melbourne and Perth experienced an increase in protest activities. Assorted protest actions included a sit-in within the building lobby and the display of placards. The majority of protests near U.S. diplomatic facilities continue to be peaceful. Visits by high-level U.S. dignitaries will occasionally attract various organizations to whose members protest a variety of topics. 3 China 2017 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Wuhan Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence Civil Unrest There is minimal risk from political violence in Canberra. Incidents of civil unrest are relatively uncommon. Occasionally, organized protests occur at and around various government and diplomatic facilities; these are typically peaceful. Visitors should be aware that the potential for violence during protests does exist; avoid confrontation with protestors. Australian policing authorities are well-trained and equipped to manage such events. Religious/Ethnic Violence There have been a number of anti-Muslim demonstrations in major Australian cities following high-profile international attacks involving ISIS. These have been adequately controlled by police. Post-specific Concerns Environmental